Since the New York Rangers traded Kakko to Seattle, the young forward has been playing some of the best hockey of his career. The 23-year-old has recorded four goals, six assists and 10 points in 13 games while averaging 16:34 minutes. Confidence is the word Kakko used to describe his overall game and mental state.

Since being traded away by the New York Rangers, forward Kaapo Kakko has found a new home with the Seattle Kraken. Amid a hot streak, the 23-year-old Finn dropped a bold message, aiming at Peter Laviolette and his former team.

“All the Finnish guys know each other, like, somehow,” Kakko said.

Kaapo Kakko scored twice in the third period, Joey Daccord made 33 saves and the Seattle Kraken overcame an early two-goal deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 on Saturday.

He has been a solid fit in the Rangers defense corps since coming to New York in the Kaapo Kakko trade on Dec. 18.

He has always had game-breaking offensive skills coupled with elite vision and strong puck skills, but he has never put that all together in the NHL. Kaako may be rounding into his draft day scouting report on the Kraken's top line.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Kaapo Kakko scored twice in the third period ... Kraken: Rallied from a multi-goal deficit for an NHL-best sixth time, rebounding from a 6-2 loss in Columbus on Thursday ...

The Edmonton Oilers signed veteran defenseman John Klingberg for the rest of the season. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

With less than two months until the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline on March 7, the New York Rangers are likely looking to see more changes come soon. The Rangers were

Instant chemistry between Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers has generated some cautious optimism for the Kraken, with both enjoying productive stretches.

The Kraken keep attempting to repeat their past that led to a 2023 playoff run. But they've failed to repeat that formula, and now must consider a rebuild.

The metrics under the hood tell a curious story centered on one basic fact: Kakko and his linemates are on a shooting hot streak while Lafreniere and his linemates are in a shooting slump.