New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko returns to lineup on Sunday

The awkward fall ended up placing Kakko on long-term injured reserve, with the Finnish winger having missed the last 21 games with a lower-body injury.

It was the first time since late in the 2021-22 season that Kakko has had to miss time due to injury.

The 2019 second-overall pick has had a bumpy tenure with the Rangers. Kakko had a true coming-out party last season, playing every game, scoring a career-high 40 points during the regular season. He also put up a goal and an assist in the team’s seven-game series against the New Jersey Devils.

However, he has only mustered up two goals and an assist in 20 games this year. Many hope the time off can lead to a resurgence for the TPS product.

In 259 career NHL games, Kakko has scored 46 goals and 55 assists, registering seven points in 29 playoff games.

The former World Juniors gold medalist has been playing at an above 30-point pace over the last three years, scoring 17 points in the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season, before adding 18 points in his injury riddled 2021-22 campaign.

The Rangers (26-13-2) are beginning a short two-game homestand, as they host the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night. They are at the top of the Metropolitan Division, one point ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes, but five back of the Boston Bruins for the best record in the Eastern Conference.