Seattle Kraken's GM Ron Francis reveals major plans for former Rangers Kaapo Kakko
Recently Kaapo Kakko has been given a new opportunity to prove to the hockey community that he was worthy of being drafted second-overall by the Rangers.
The New York Rangers just recently traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken for veteran defenseman Will Borgen and two 2025 draft picks, after a very unproductive tenure in New York.
After six seasons with the New York Rangers, it was starting to become pretty clear that Kakko wasn't going to live up to the high expectations that everyone hoped for, and that it was time for both sides to part ways.
However, thankfully Kaapo Kakko Kraken general manager Ron Francis still sees plenty of potential in him and strongly believes a fresh start will do him good:
«You're always looking for bigger bodies that can get to the front,» Francis said. "We think when you go back in his draft year, there's a reason why the Rangers took him at 2.
He was a real good player at that point, and for whatever reason it just hasn't panned out for him. So we're hoping the change of scenery and working with us that hopefully we can get a little bit more out of him.»
The 23-year-old forward also expressed his desire for a fresh start and how felt it was needed:
«Fresh start. I feel that's what I need right now,» Kakko said. «I liked my time in New York Many years over there, great team, but I think I'm waiting for a little more from myself. The team was waiting also, and it never worked out the way we wanted.»
Francis also confirmed that he intends to start Kaapo Kakko out in a top-six role and want's to find him a spot on the power play.
POLL |
DECEMBRE 21 | 1501 ANSWERS Seattle Kraken's GM Ron Francis reveals major plans for former Rangers Kaapo Kakko Do you think the Rangers made a mistake by trading Kaapo Kakko? |
Yes | 738 | 49.2 % |
No | 763 | 50.8 % |
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Previously on NYRangersInsider