Seattle Kraken Sign Kaapo Kakko
In a noteworthy move for the franchise, the Seattle Kraken have officially inked forward Kaapo Kakko to a three-year deal, securing him at an average annual salary of $4.525 million. This announcement came on Tuesday following the Kraken’s acquisition of the 24-year-old Finnish player from the New York Rangers on December 18. In the trade, the Kraken parted ways with defenseman Will Borgen, along with two draft picks for 2025—a third-round and a sixth-round selection.
Kakko’s Performance and Impact
Kakko, who was selected second overall in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Rangers, demonstrated significant talent last season, achieving a personal best with 44 points, which included 14 goals and 30 assists across 79 games played for both the Rangers and the Kraken. His assist tally was particularly impressive, marking a milestone in his development as a skilled playmaker.
During his time with the Kraken, he quickly made an impact. In just 49 games, he recorded 10 goals and facilitated 20 assists. Notably, he matched his career high for points in a single game when he delivered three assists in a victory against the Los Angeles Kings on January 18. Kakko’s contributions ranked him among the team leaders, placing second in overall points, third in assists, and tied for sixth in goals.
General Manager’s Remarks
General manager Jason Botterill expressed enthusiasm about securing Kakko, highlighting the forward’s size, skill set, and willingness to drive towards the net. “Getting a contract done with Kaapo was a top priority this summer. We recognized early on that he would be integral to our future,” Botterill stated, emphasizing Kakko’s seamless integration into the Kraken’s roster and his significance to the team’s upcoming seasons.
