Kaapo Kakko may not be the point scorer he once was in Finland, but his three-dimensional game is a key ingredient to the Rangers Stanley Cup aspirations.
Kaapo Kakko is an essential part of the New York Rangers. That has become evident since his return to the lineup.
The 22-year-old forward suffered a lower-body injury on Nov.27 against the Buffalo Sabres and made his return last Sunday, Jan. 14.
Upon his return, he skated on the top-line right wing for the second time this season and the third time in the last two years.
"He's a huge piece for us. You want to see him feeling confident and making big plays," Blake Wheeler said on Tuesday, "We are going to rely on him down the stretch."
The numbers have not been there, with many pundits and fans alike drawing comparisons to the New Jersey Devils forward taken one draft pick higher, Jack Hughes.
The No.1 overall pick of the 2019 draft has had his fair share of injury issues for the entirety of his career, but the small forward has amassed 45 points (15 goals, 30 assists) in 32 games this season.
He's also racked up 252 points (102 goals, 150 assists) in 276 games played throughout five seasons.
Kakko, the second overall pick of the 2019 draft was highly touted for his frame, and scoring touch, as he recorded a record-breaking 22 goals in 45 games with TPS.
At the NHL level, he's posted 102 points (47 goals,55 assists) in 261 games played. That is 150 points less than Hughes.
"I know I haven't been that guy I should be out there. So, try to feel better tonight." The self-critical Kakko told The Hockey News on Nov. 7th.
He scored the most points in a single season of his NHL career last year. Kakko played in all 82 games for the first time in his career in 2021-2022.
Failed development has had to do with Kakko's slower progression.
Kakko had a strong start to his career offensively in 2019-2020 and lacked NHL-level defense.
He then skated in sheltered minutes in the 2020 Covid-bubble.
The following season united with "The Kid Line" but only played in 43 games due to injuries.
Again this year, Kakko found himself in an unfortunate situation.
It didn't take long for his potential to flash, as he rose to the occasion and logged 30:12 seconds of ice time and scored a goal off the rush.
What comes next may be Kakko's best hockey.
He is three-dimensional, a strong player on the boards, impossible to knock off the puck, efficient defensively, and a playmaker.
Point totals will get you far, defense and a high IQ can also help win a Stanley Cup.
The New York Rangers (28-13-2) face the Vegas Golden Knights (25-14-5) tonight at 10:00 p.m. (ET).