The New York Rangers announced they have agreed to terms with Kaapo Kakko on a two-year extension that carries an average annual value (AAV) of $2.1 million.
Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, struggled with injuries last season, recording just 18 points on seven goals and 11 assists during the regular season.
His impact was truly felt in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, though, as he was an integral part of the Rangers’ ‘Kid Line’ that electrified the forward unit during its run to the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Over 19 postseason games, Kakko recorded two goals and three assists alongside Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere.
The signing is arguably the last roster question general manager Chris Drury needed to answer after Kakko was a restricted free agent following the 2021-22 season.
The 21-year-old still has much to prove to the organization after he was a healthy scratch for the final contest of the season — a 2-1 loss to the Lightning in Game 6 of the
conference final.
After his benching, questions began to swirl about Kakko’s potential future with the Blueshirts. A new two-year deal will certainly quell those concerns.
“I’m going to show that I’m better than that,” Kakko said of his benching last month. “You should put me in the lineup. I’m a good player.”
