When the Kraken acquired big Finnish winger Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers back on December 18th, 2024, they were hoping the former 2nd-overall pick in the NHL Draft (2019) would enjoy the change of scenery.
Kakko found some chemistry with center Matty Beniers and left winger Jaden Schwartz on what amounted to be the 1st or 2nd line. Despite his prospect profile, he’s not your consummate 1st-liner. Kakko’s a man who needs to be a presence in front of the net, a player who needs to win puck battles along the wall, and a skater who needs to be responsible defensively, utilizing his high hockey IQ.
His offensive numbers weren’t earth shattering, hardly 2nd-overall type statistics along the lines of a Tyler Seguin, a Jack Eichel, or even a Beniers. They’re different types of players and that type of production isn’t expected. What is expected is a power play presence, physical prowess, and again, even if it’s in the offensive zone, a player that makes the Kraken harder to play against.
They helped their cause in that area when they picked up Mason Marchment from the Dallas Stars earlier in the week.
Kakko is a restricted free agent (RFA). The minimum qualifying offer Seattle needs to make based on his previous contracts is $2.4-million. The idea is to forget that number and lock the player up for a longer term at a higher rate, just not too high.
Unless they go over the top and break the bank to go long term, probably not in the club’s best interest given Kakko’s limited track record, they’ll probably go short term which would also be in the player’s best interest. That’s because Kakko is eligible for unrestricted free agency after next season.
So maybe both skater and team are on the same page. Neither might want to commit long term for completely different reasons. Kakko is eligible for arbitration — NHL RFA negotiations rarely reach that point — and that’s a strategical option for his agent Andy Scott. The Kraken would likely offer up a deal to avoid it.
Kakko fans shouldn’t sweat. Something will get done. He’s not prolific enough to warrant an offer sheet from another NHL club.
Of greater importance is inking defenseman and fellow RFA Ryker Evans to a long-term deal. Tye Kartye is restricted as well, but not of the importance.
Kakko turns age-25 next February. Inking for three seasons would be middle ground and make sense. We’ll know in the next two weeks.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken Wheel And Deal; Dump Burakovsky
— Can Berkly Catton Crack The NHL Line-up?
