Kaapo Kakko and Steve Vickers are comparable in many ways such as strong two-way play, opportunistic takeaways, and supportive playmaking. The trajectory turned Vickers from a youthful depth player into a blossoming top-six scorer. This is the hopeful trajectory for Kakko.
Kaapo Kakko is bar none no doubt the player every mad Manhattanite Knickerbocker is anticipating to take the next step in 2024. The hope is that he earns a top-six role following a few seasons of checking-line development.
A comparable former New York Ranger is Steve Vickers who was a popular player among the club's 1970s teams for his two-way style of play. He was drafted 10th overall in 1971, akin to Kakko’s 2nd overall selection in 2019.
The nature of “The Kid Line” under Gerard Gallant was feisty forechecking and forcing opportunistic turnovers. That style harkens back to the Vickers-Tkaczuk-Farbain line of the early 1970s. The triad is considered the best two-way forward unit of that decade.
Vickers would go on to win the Calder Memorial Trophy and helped the team advance to the 1979 Stanley Cup Final. He tucked 30 or more goals in four different seasons in New York, the production that fans are anticipating from the current young gamers.
Kakko could embark on a similar journey. Vickers was moved in the lineup off of the aforementioned trio to play with Ratelle and Gilbert.
That is a forecasted scenario for the young Finn, a two-way player who found success with systemic counterparts that, when ready, will dress as a top-six skater.
No two people are ever exactly alike, but the situation appears to rhyme. For “The Sarge” it worked out, as it could with Kaapo Kakko.
For More on Kakko:
Lazarus: Kaapo Kakko's Regular Season Point Total Prediction
Lazarus: High Expectations For Kaapo Kakko in 2023-24
This Season Is Sink Or Swim For Alexis Lafreniere And Kaapo Kakko
