Kaapo Kakko Finds His Groove in Seattle, Inks 3-Year Deal With Kraken
The Pacific Northwest just got a little more electrifying on the ice. On Tuesday, the Seattle Kraken locked in one of their biggest young assets, Kaapo Kakko, by signing the 24-year-old forward to a three-year contract worth an average annual value of $4.525 million.
Yup, the same Kakko who was once seen as the future cornerstone of the New York Rangers is now shaping up to be a major building block in Seattle’s growing NHL story.
A New Home, A Fresh Start
Sometimes all a player needs is a change of scenery—and that seems to be exactly the case for Kakko. After struggling to fully live up to the expectations that come with being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Finnish winger got a mid-season lifeline. The Kraken acquired him from the Rangers on December 18 in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen, along with a third-round and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
It didn’t take long for the move to pay dividends. Once Kakko arrived in Seattle, it was like someone flipped a switch. Suddenly, he was thriving—not just on the scoresheet, but in the locker room, on the power play, and in clutch moments.
Making a Statement in Seattle
In just 49 games with the Kraken last season, Kakko tallied 10 goals and 20 assists, proving that he wasn't just fitting in—he was flourishing. One performance that really turned heads? His three-assist game on January 18 during a 4-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings. That night, Kakko matched his career-best for points in a game and made it clear to fans and analysts alike: he's arrived.
By season’s end, he was tied for second in total points on the team and ranked third in both assists and power-play goals. Not too shabby for someone who had been traded only a few months earlier.
Botterill Seals the Deal
“Getting a contract done with Kaapo was a top priority this summer,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said in an official statement. “We knew quickly he’d be a big part of our team moving forward. He’s got size, skill, and tremendous playmaking ability, and isn’t afraid of going to the net. He fit in immediately with our group, and we’re thrilled to have him under contract.”
You could almost hear the excitement in Botterill’s voice as he spoke. The GM didn’t just want to keep Kakko around—he made it a mission. And now, with that deal inked, the Kraken are ready to see what Kakko can do over a full season in Seattle colors.
Flashing Back to the Draft
Let’s rewind for a moment. When Kakko was drafted No. 2 overall by the New York Rangers in 2019, the expectations were sky-high. Coming off a dominant season in Finland’s top professional league and a standout performance at the IIHF World Championship, he was hailed as the next European phenom.
But life in the NHL didn’t start off as smoothly as many had hoped. While Kakko showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and injuries often interrupted his progress in New York. The pressure of playing under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden didn’t help either.
Career-Best Numbers—Finally!
Last season, things finally started to click. Across his time with both the Rangers and Kraken, Kakko finished the season with a career-high 44 points, notching 14 goals and dishing out 30 assists. Those 30 assists marked another personal best.
It wasn’t just about numbers, though. Kakko looked confident again. He was controlling the puck, finding open teammates, and driving to the net—exactly what scouts raved about when he first came into the league.
A Perfect Fit in Kraken Culture
One of the reasons Kakko may have gelled so quickly in Seattle is the team’s tight-knit and hardworking culture. Head coach Dave Hakstol has built a system that emphasizes speed, tenacity, and playing as a unit. For a player like Kakko—who combines elite vision with a sturdy 6-foot-3 frame—it’s the kind of environment that lets talent shine without stifling creativity.
You can also credit Seattle’s locker room for helping him settle in. Veterans like Jaden Schwartz and Yanni Gourde, along with fellow young talents like Matty Beniers, helped ease his transition and made him feel like part of the Kraken family.
What’s Next for Kakko?
The three-year deal is more than just a payday—it’s a signal that both player and franchise believe in each other’s long-term potential.
If Kakko can build on the momentum he gained last season, there's no reason he can’t become one of Seattle’s leading scorers. And with a core that’s starting to click, the Kraken could be serious playoff contenders in the years to come.
Don’t be surprised if Kakko ends up on the first line before long. With his mix of size, smarts, and skill, he’s tailor-made for top-line duties.
Quick Hits: Why Fans Should Be Hyped
Here’s why Kraken fans should be stoked about the Kakko extension:
-
🔥 Big-Time Upside: He’s still only 24. His best years are just beginning.
-
🧠 Elite Hockey IQ: Kakko’s playmaking isn’t just flashy—it’s smart, calculated, and efficient.
-
💪 Physical Presence: At 6’3” and over 200 pounds, he’s built to battle.
-
🎯 Clutch Potential: He’s already delivered in key games—expect more of that.
-
🧊 Cool Under Pressure: Seattle’s calmer, lower-pressure environment is letting him thrive.
The Bigger Picture for Seattle
This deal isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a larger strategy by GM Jason Botterill to build a competitive roster that blends young stars with experienced leaders. Kakko is now one of several young pieces the Kraken are investing in—and if all goes to plan, he’ll be central to their success for years to come.
As the Kraken continue shaping their identity in the NHL, bringing in dynamic players like Kakko—and locking them in—sends a clear message to the league: Seattle isn’t just here to compete. They’re here to win.
Login