Instant chemistry between Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers has generated some cautious optimism for the Kraken, with both enjoying productive stretches.

The hope when the Seattle Kraken acquired forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers was that the former second-overall pick could reignite his stale career.

Kakko spent Christmas in Seattle at Tolvanen’s house, although the newly acquired winger fielded inquiries from several other Kraken players. The Finns last played together in 2019, so they had a lot to catch up on, sharing “dumb” summer stories and reflecting on their shared history.

The metrics under the hood tell a curious story centered on one basic fact: Kakko and his linemates are on a shooting hot streak while Lafreniere and his linemates are in a shooting slump.

Kakko is also in the right spot. The Kraken have a younger team, which puts Kakko in a position to develop properly and learn from his mistakes. The weight of the world was on Kak

“All the Finnish guys know each other, like, somehow,” Kakko said.

Since being traded away by the New York Rangers, forward Kaapo Kakko has found a new home with the Seattle Kraken. Amid a hot streak, the 23-year-old Finn dropped a bold message, aiming at Peter Laviolette and his former team.

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette paired the two when Miller returned from an upper-body injury on Dec. 28. While they didn’t gel right from the jump, they’ve quickly built chemistry and have arguably become the Rangers’ best two-way defensive pairing.

With less than two months until the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline on March 7, the New York Rangers are likely looking to see more changes come soon. The Rangers were

The Kraken keep attempting to repeat their past that led to a 2023 playoff run. But they've failed to repeat that formula, and now must consider a rebuild.

The 2024-25 NHL season has not been kind to the Seattle Kraken. They have struggled for a second straight season and are stuck in the bottom five of the standings.

Nothing is expected to change the mind of New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury, who is set on being sellers ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. Drury was already quite busy earlier in the season when he shipped out captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks and forward Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle