Yesterday, the Seattle Kraken announced a three-year extension for forward Kaapo Kakko. Kakko, taken second overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, carries a $4.35M salary cap hit that will last through the 2027-28 season.
Kakko came to the Kraken in a trade with the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and a third and sixth round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Last season, Kakko reached career highs with 14 goals, 30 assists and 44 points in 79 games between the Kraken and Rangers.
“Getting a contract done with Kaapo was a top priority this summer,” said Kraken general manager Jason Botterill. “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.”
Kakko Extension Gives Kraken Flexibility
Kakko, 24, is nearly six years removed from his NHL debut. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance in the past, he struggles to stay consistent at the NHL level. This contract is mutually beneficial for both parties. Kakko gains three years of stability at a solid deal. The Kraken, on the other hand, have a low-risk, medium-reward deal for a proven top-six forward.
If Kakko comes close to his draft status, he’ll be a mainstay in Seattle for years to come. If he doesn’t pan out, he’s on an affordable, movable contract. Opportunity is in the air for both parties — especially if the Kraken move on from Jared McCann.
With that said, however, the Kraken have to give Kakko every opportunity he can to succeed. Kakko, on the other hand, needs to showcase some long-term consistency on both sides of the puck.
Seattle Youth Movement Looming on the Horizon
Botterill’s focal point with Seattle’s future lies within in its youth. “[I] will look close at different opportunities to bring in players,” Botterill said in his inaugural press conference. “…whether that’s from a free agent standpoint or from a trade standpoint, but a big part of how we’re going to move the organization forward is our young players stepping in.”
The only player above Kakko in points for the Kraken was Jared McCann. Kakko, by all accounts, is a key member of Seattle’s burgeoning youth movement. Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, Eeli Tolvanen and Kakko make up the early adopters of Seattle’s core. Younger prospects like Berkly Catton and Jagger Firkus are on the horizon. Infusion of young talent like Kakko is key to facilitating a successful rebuild.
In an interview with “Alteeti“, a Finnish hockey podcast, Kakko talked about his time in Seattle and its positive imapct on his career. “I hadn’t played minutes like that in years, really. But after a while I began to feel better and started to notice that I can create for others and even get some more chances myself.”
“I’ve gotten steady minutes and shifts and haven’t had to sit long times on the bench thinking about … you lose the feeling [when you sit]. But now I’ve gotten some big minutes.”
Kraken Extend Former Second Overall Pick