What happened? What happened to this man?
Do you guys remember the hype? Do you remember how excited we were as Rangers fans to get Kaapo with the second overall pick? Do you remember trying to convince ourselves that Kaapo would be a better player than Jack Hughes?
Hand up – I was optimistic. I was happy and hopeful. Then the first 4 seasons happened.
Each year I would try and convince myself that this was the year. This is the year Kaapo is going to break out. He’s bigger, he’s stronger, he’s harder to play against in the corners. I’m pumped he is defensively responsible but I am so ready for him to begin playing like a second overall pick in an offensive way. This is the year that he smiles, this is the year that he plays with confidence, this is the year he demands the puck, this is the year that he looks like he is having fun playing hockey.
Fast forward to now and Kaapo has an abysmal 2 points in 14 games, a demotion to the third line (not entirely on him because it seems that 93 and 20 are just special team players) and is playing a game in which he blends in with others in the league. Is he an NHL player? 100% yes. Is he second overall pick caliber?
Am I being too hard on him? Maybe – that could be a valid point. I don’t understand what it’s like for a teenager to go across the pond to a major, major city to play hockey. I don’t know what it’s like to go through 3 coaches in 5 years. I don’t like what it’s like to be a second overall pick with the pressure he must be experiencing. This is tough, this is tasking, but I think as a fan we are allowed to have realistic expectations, no? I see analytics normally support his game but the analytic I like to look at is the scoresheet and currently that reads 1 goal, 1 assist in 14 games while averaging 15:03 a game. Are we not allowed to expect a little bit more? Where do we go from here?
Do it- just do it. Why? Because after a disappointing playoff, Artemi Panarin is a Hart Trophy hopeful. Look at this stat:
Has Kaapo completed 51 passes in his entire career? I joke, but for real – it is time to change it up. Artemi Panarin is on a heater that has only been done one other time in Rangers history. Sure, I miss the locks popping out of the side of his helmet but he looks to be a man on a mission – he looks like he is having fun, he’s legitimately dominating every single time he hits the ice.
This is what we want from Kaapo, no? It is time for the Fin to try and find some swagger. It is time for the Fin to have fun playing hockey. It is time for Kaapo Kakko to shave his head.
The Morning Skate 