The Reason Laviolette Demoted This Player To The Third Line

Head coach Peter Laviolette still feels there is room for improvement for the Rangers, sitting in first position in the Metropolitan Division with an 8-2-1 record.

It's good to have a head coach who won't settle for any weaknesses, even if the team is among the best in the league.

One area of improvement is with the former No. 2 pick of the 2019 draft, Kaapo Kakko, whom Laviolette has pushed out of the top-6 to the third line with Will Cuylle and Nick Bonino.

"He's big. He's strong. He has speed and, it's not a work (ethic) thing. Through the course of 11 games, it just hasn't clicked the way that you would want from a production standpoint. And I'm not saying that's (only) Kaapo. I'm just saying that's the reality." -Peter Laviolette

"I think we didn't have much going on in the last four games with that line, so it's good to change the lines a little and to try to find my game. I know I haven't been that guy I should be out there. So, try to feel better tonight." -Kaapo Kakko

Hopefully there's newfound success on the third line and he elevates his play to a level we have long hoped to see.

Previously on NYRangersInsider

Oilers Place Goaltender On Waivers

Confirmed New Line Changes Tonight Against Detroit

We Get Our First Updates From Laviolette For Injured Players

POLL
7 NOVEMBRE \| 67 ANSWERS The Reason Laviolette Demoted This Player To The Third Line Will Kakko benefit from this line change?
No doubt!	25	37.3 %
I'm not convinced	42	62.7 %
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