Kakko is playing “much better” with Rangers and will represent Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off

There’s been a lot of excitement around the Rangers, including former captain Jacob Trouba’s trade to the Anaheim Ducks last week and reports that there could be more roster moves, but Kakko and his linemates have been the team’s quietly consistent element.

“I think especially in Kaapo’s offense you could see that he contributed more,” New York coach Peter Laviolette said. “That line was effective. “Fil” was more consistent in the middle again and I think there was a little chemistry between them in the past, but since “Fil” was out most of last year, they didn’t really get it with me again to connect, so it was a good start.

“I still think this line is capable of more, but they all did a good job. I think Will did a good job. You notice (Chytil’s) speed in the middle and Kaapo was impressive on the wing.”

For Kakko, it’s almost a complete turnaround from last season, when he struggled to find consistency and finished the season with 19 points (13 goals, six assists) in 61 games.

Kakko had his best NHL season in 2022-23 when he scored 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 82 games. Optimism about the player he would develop into quickly gave way to questions about Kakko’s playing time and, ultimately, his future with the Rangers.

His name came up in trade rumors, but New York signed Kakko to a one-year, $2.4 million contract on June 13. He was fresh off a two-year deal ($2.1 million AAV) and could have become a restricted free agent on July 1.

The one-year deal was essentially a “proof” contract for Kakko, giving the Rangers influence over his future.

It seems to work well for both sides.

“I feel like I can do some things out there now that I didn’t try to do last year,” Kakko said. “In the (offensive) zone, you’re trying to make plays and not just throw in a chip. That’s what I’m trying to do. That is the trust. This is my game. I feel like I didn’t do that last year. I feel like our entire family (Cuylle) just didn’t make it; We just plugged it in and pre-checked it, but there were no chances.

“I mean, last year when we lost the puck as a team, we felt like our game was over and we would watch the rest from the bench. At least we’re trying to do something now and it’s working.”