For the New York Rangers to improve upon their Presidents’ Trophy-winning season in 2023-24, they will need significantly better production from their bottom-six forwards. While their top six, led by Artemi Panarin, Vincent Trocheck, Alexis Lafrenière, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider, was dominant, the bottom half of the lineup struggled offensively, creating a noticeable gap in depth scoring.
One of the biggest issues in the bottom six was Filip Chytil’s absence due to injury. Chytil managed to play just 10 regular-season games, which left a void on the third line. Kaapo Kakko, despite his potential, struggled to fill that gap, scoring only 13 goals and 19 points in 61 games. Kakko, drafted second overall in 2019, has yet to establish himself as a reliable offensive weapon, leading to pressure on him as he enters his sixth NHL season.
Injuries and slumps have hindered Kakko’s development, and though he signed a one-year, $2.4 million deal this offseason, the expectation is that he steps up this year. His struggles in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where he scored just one goal in 15 games and was scratched in the Eastern Conference Final, compounded the frustrations surrounding his lack of offensive production.
Kakko has started the 2024-25 preseason strong, forming a line with Chytil and Will Cuylle. The trio dominated in a 5-2 win against the Boston Bruins, with Kakko leading the way by contributing seven shots on goal. If he can maintain this momentum, he could provide the offensive depth the Rangers need from their bottom six to become a more complete team this season.
Kaapo Kakko responds to coach’s challenge, generates chances, physicality against Bruins
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette’s conversations with Kaapo Kakko during the offseason seem to be paying off. After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, Kakko came into the preseason looking revitalized, and his performance in the third preseason game was a positive sign. He played with energy, staying involved in the play every time he hit the ice, a marked improvement from last season’s inconsistencies.
Kakko’s linemates, Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle, were also highly effective. Chytil has been an offensive driver, tallying two goals and two assists so far in the preseason, while Cuylle brought physicality with five hits and generated a strong scoring chance off the rush. This balanced third line performance caught Laviolette’s eye, as he praised their effort, noting that their presence could add dangerous depth to the Rangers’ lineup.
With three preseason games remaining — two against the New Jersey Devils and one more against the New York Islanders — the Rangers’ third line looks poised to make an impact heading into the regular season opener on Oct. 9 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kakko and his linemates appear to be in a strong position to contribute meaningfully to a Rangers squad seeking depth beyond its top-heavy offensive core.
Leave a Reply