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Peter Laviolette sends harsh message to Kaapo Kakko following latest controversy

Originally posted on NY Rangers Insider | By Joshua Deeds | Last updated Dec 18, 2024 5:50 PM ET

After speaking out against his healthy scratch, Kaapo Kakko found himself with a low utilization against the Nashville Predators. The Rangers would lose the game, and is Peter Laviolette to blame?

In what appears to be a retaliatory move, Kaapo Kakko would receive only 10:14 TOI against the Nashville Predators.

The Rangers would surrender goals to Jonathan Marchessault and Adam Wilsby.

The team would be held scoreless, and Kaapo Kakko would leave the ice that night with a -1 rating, three shots on goal, two hits, one giveaway and 16 shifts.

"I was surprised, yeah," Kakko told the New York Post's Mollie Walker (via Russian Machine Never Breaks). "I know you've got to do something as a coach when you're losing games, but I think it's just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out. That's how I feel, to be honest."

"Haven't been on the ice too much when [opponents] score a goal," Kakko said. "I have not been the worst guy, but that was me out of the lineup."

The move is puzzling, considering that Kaapo Kakko's name has been buzzing in trade rumors lately.

You'd want to make sure you get Kakko in the best situations, showcasing him so you can get the best value for the forward.

Kakko has a one-year, $2.4 million AAV deal with the Rangers and would be a great addition to a rebuilding team.

The young forward, who was a second overall pick in 2019 has 14 points (4G, 10A) in 31 games this season with the Rangers.

As RMNB demonstrates, Kakko isn't the issue:

Among New York's regulars, Kakko ranks second in fewest five-on-five goals allowed when on the ice (10). The only player ahead of him, Filip Chytil (7), has played in six fewer games.

This article first appeared on NY Rangers Insider and was syndicated with permission.

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