Seattle Kraken Forward Out After Hand Injury

Seattle Kraken Forward Kaapo Kakko Out Nearly Six Weeks

Kakko suffered the injury during Wednesday’s preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers. The Finn was slashed by Oilers defensive prospect Beau Akey. Seattle’s 24-year-old forward subsequently left the game and did not return.

Kakko has played for the New York Rangers and the Kraken over his six-year NHL career. The Turku, Finland native totaled 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points in 79 games split between the Rangers and Kraken. He averaged 15 minutes and 37 seconds of ice time last season. However, he averaged nearly four more minutes of ice time after being dealt to the Pacific Northwest.

The young forward has 71 goals and 90 assists for 161 points in 379 career games. New York originally drafted Kakko second overall of the 2019 NHL Draft.

He’s also represented his native Finland on the international level. Kakko accomplished the rare feat of winning the World Juniors and IIHF World Championship in the same international calendar. He accomplished this in 2019.

What It Means

Kakko had been wildly inconsistent during his tenure with the Rangers. However, he had seemingly found a secure spot in the lineup.

Our Kraken Puck Drop Preview had Kakko projected to play on the top line. His increased ice time since the trade was a positive sign that he was starting to realize some of that potential that he came into the league with.

Seattle could likely slide team captain Jordan Eberle up the top line to take Kakko’s spot. However, new head coach Lane Lambert will likely miss Kakko’s improved play on the defensive end.

The Kraken start their season against the Anaheim Ducks on October 9.