Kaapo Kakko, seen here in action for the Seattle Kraken, has committed to the team with a new three-year deal.
SEATTLE – In a significant move that solidifies a promising new chapter for both player and franchise, forward Kaapo Kakko has formally signed a three-year contract with the Seattle Kraken. This agreement, carrying an average annual value of $4.525 million, efficiently sidesteps the arbitration process, securing a key offensive talent for the burgeoning West Coast hockey club.
From High Hopes to a New Horizon
Kakko`s professional journey has, in many respects, been a narrative of recalibration. Drafted as the second overall pick by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, he arrived in the league laden with immense expectations. While his tenure in New York occasionally showcased the elite skill that made him such a coveted prospect, the consistent offensive dominance anticipated by many observers remained somewhat elusive.
The mid-season trade on December 18 that sent him to Seattle – a transaction involving defenceman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick – proved to be a pivotal moment. For Kakko, it presented a fresh slate, an opportunity to redefine his game and demonstrate his full capabilities away from the intense scrutiny often associated with high draft picks in traditional hockey markets.
Thriving in the Pacific Northwest
The transition to the Kraken appears to have provided precisely the catalyst Kakko needed. In just 49 games with Seattle, he registered an impressive 10 goals and 20 assists, showcasing a notable uptick in his offensive contributions and overall confidence. This performance, combined with his earlier production for the Rangers, culminated in a career-high 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) across 79 games last season. Significantly, his 30 assists marked a personal best, underscoring his evolution into a more complete and impactful offensive threat.
His immediate impact on the Kraken lineup was palpable. Within the team`s structure, Kakko quickly ascended, tying for second in overall points, ranking third in assists and power-play goals, and sixth in goals for the team during his time in Seattle. His innate ability to create plays and his willingness to drive directly to the net – a quality explicitly praised by the Kraken`s management – quickly made him a pivotal component of Seattle’s forward corps.
“Getting a contract done with Kaapo was a top priority this summer,” stated 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.”
Botterill`s unambiguous sentiments highlight a clear strategic vision: Kakko is viewed not merely as a reclamation success story, but as a foundational piece for the future of the Kraken franchise.
The Road Ahead: Potential Unlocked?
This three-year agreement transcends a mere contractual formality; it is a clear statement of mutual confidence and long-term commitment. For Kakko, it provides invaluable stability and the robust endorsement of a franchise that demonstrably values his unique skillset. For the Kraken, it secures a player who, at 24 years old, is arguably just entering his prime and appears poised to finally unleash the full breadth of the potential that made him such a highly coveted prospect years ago.
His blend of imposing size and refined skill positions him as a versatile forward capable of contributing effectively across various game situations. The significant financial commitment reflected in his average annual value underscores not only his impactful performance last season but also the Kraken’s profound belief in his sustained growth and his capacity to assume an even more elevated role within the team. One might even observe a subtle irony in how a change of scenery has allowed a player, once perhaps weighed down by the immense expectations of a traditional hockey market, to truly flourish in a newer, less overtly scrutinizing environment.
As the Seattle Kraken continue to establish their identity and strive for consistent competitiveness within the demanding NHL landscape, Kaapo Kakko`s continued development and offensive contributions will be paramount. This contract signals not an end to his formative period, but rather a robust beginning to what promises to be an exciting new chapter for both the player and the promising franchise in the Pacific Northwest.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow