On Thursday, June 13, the New York Rangers made the surprise news that they had signed restricted free agent Kaapo Kakko to a one-year contract worth $2.4 million, extending his stay for a another year.
Kakko’s qualifying offer is matched by this deal, guaranteeing that the Finnish winger will join the Rangers for the 2024–25 campaign. On July 1, 2025, Kakko will be allowed to reenter restricted free agency.
The Rangers or any prospective trade partners have cost certainty thanks to the $2.4 million contract. This amount is marginally less than the $2.8 million AAV that Evolving-Hockey had estimated for a two-year contract. General manager Chris Drury expressed hope for Kakko’s progress by drawing comparisons between his current circumstances and those of Alexis Lafreniere from the previous season.
Kakko’s Complicated Career in New York
The Rangers selected Kakko with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft, marking the beginning of his rollercoaster journey in New York.
In the 2024 regular season, Kakko recorded 13 goals and 6 assists in 61 games. His playoff performance was limited, contributing just 1 goal and 1 assist in 15 games.
One of the notable downturns in Kakko’s career occurred during the Eastern Conference finals, where he was a healthy scratch for Game 2 against the Florida Panthers. This echoed a similar situation in the 2022 conference finals against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Throughout his NHL career spanning 300 games, Kakko has accumulated 117 points with 57 goals and 60 assists. While his production saw a decline in 2024, Kakko demonstrated his potential during the 2022-23 season, tallying 40 points while playing in all 82 regular-season games.
Rangers’ Kakko & Laviolette End-of-Season Comments
During his farewell interview, Laviolette admitted some of the blame for Kakko’s lackluster season.
On June 4, Laviolette stated, “My job as coach is to unleash these players.” “I have to find a better way to involve him; you hope it happens with all of them, but with some, it doesn’t.”
Laviolette is still upbeat about Kakko’s prospects. Laviolette stated, “I still think Kakko can be a top-six player.”
Before his contract extension was officially announced on June 13, Kakko reflected on his season and discussed his future with the Rangers.
“Every time I’ve come here for the season, I’ve felt good, in good shape,” Kakko remarked. “I don’t think there’s much I need to change with offseason training, maybe more focus on skating.”
Kakko hinted at his desire to continue with the Rangers for another season rather than testing free agency.
“Everyone here wants to win, and there’s a real chance to do that here… So, I enjoy being here,” Kakko emphasized.