Seattle Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko (84) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Seattle Kraken restricted free agent Kaapo Kakko has filed for arbitration alongside 10 other RFAs.

Kakko is due for a raise from his expired $2.4-million contract he signed with the New York Rangers. The 24-year-old was acquired from the Rangers during the 2024-25 season, sending defenseman Will Borgen and a 2025 third-round pick and a 2025 sixth-round pick.

Upon joining the Kraken, Kakko scored 10 goals and 30 points in 49 games, and after combining his stats with the Kraken and the Rangers, Kakko set a new career-high in points with 44.

Although Kakko has filed for arbitration, he and the organization remain hopeful that they can come to an agreement before the arbitration meetings commence.

The deadline for club-elected salary arbitration was on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT. Now the arbitration hearings will be held from July 20 to Aug. 4. Arbitration hearings can become a bit nasty, with the team making the case of why they shouldn't be paid as highly as they'd want, and the player making the case for why they deserve the salary they desire.

So far in Seattle, Kakko has developed great chemistry with Matty Beniers and developed relationships with fellow Finns, Eeli Tolvanen and rookie Jani Nyman.

The Kraken have expressed a desire to find a solution, but have been open about the recent struggles while trying to find a middle ground. Arbitration will solve those issues and ensure a deal.

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