Kaapo Kakko (© Brad Penner-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/e8dcbb59-1d05-4f49-ad60-1527f642e843.jpeg] Kaapo Kakko (© Brad Penner-Imagn Images) A former New York Rangers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-rangers] forward has suffered an injury early on in the preseason. Former Rangers first-round pick Kaapo Kakko left the Seattle Kraken's Sep. 24 preseason matchup with an upper-body injury after receiving a slash from Edmonton Oilers defenseman Beau Akey. This is certainly concerning news for the Kraken, as Kakko has emerged as a solid part of their forward group since his arrival this past season. In 49 games with the Kraken in 2024-25, Kakko recorded 10 goals, 20 assists, and 30 points. This helped him earn a three-year, $14.25 million contract from the Kraken back in July. The Rangers traded Kakko to the Kraken back in December in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick. This was after he recorded four goals, 14 points, and a plus-9 rating in 30 games in 2024-25 with the Rangers before the trade. Kakko was selected by the Rangers with the second-overall pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. In 330 games over six seasons with the Blueshirts, he recorded 61 goals, 70 assists, 131 points, and a plus-13 rating.
