Kaapo Kakko is hoping for “a fresh start” with the Seattle Kraken after five-plus inconsistent and, at times, tumultuous seasons with the New York Rangers.
The Kraken acquired Kakko, the 23-year-old forward in his sixth NHL season, from the Rangers on Wednesday for defenseman Will Borgen, and a third- and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Kakko, selected by the Rangers with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, will make his Kraken debut against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center on Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET; CHSN+, KHN, KONG).
“I hope I’m going to get a chance over here,” Kakko said after Seattle’s morning skate Thursday. “I think that’s what the coach is telling me here, just play your game and…