Kaapo Kakko is officially staying with the Seattle Kraken, signing a three-year contract worth $4.525 million annually. The 24-year-old forward was acquired from the New York Rangers on December 18 in a trade that sent defenseman Will Borgen, along with a third- and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, to New York. Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko was once seen as a franchise cornerstone for the Rangers.
His 2023–24 season was the most productive of his NHL career, totaling 44 points split between the Rangers and Kraken. That included 14 goals and a career-high 30 assists across 79 games. After joining Seattle midseason, Kakko quickly found his stride and continued to contribute steadily on offense.
Kaapo Kakko (NHL)Kraken Commit to Kakko as Core Piece With Skill, Size, and Rising Impact
Seattle’s front office made it clear they were eager to keep Kakko long-term. General manager Jason Botterill called signing him a “top priority,” praising his combination of size, skill, and willingness to drive play around the net. Botterill emphasized that Kakko fit seamlessly into the locker room and had already proven himself to be a vital part of the team’s future.
In his 49 games with the Kraken, Kakko posted 10 goals and 20 assists, including a standout three-assist performance in a win against the Los Angeles Kings on January 18. His numbers placed him among the team’s offensive leaders, second in points, third in assists and power-play goals, and sixth in goals, further validating Seattle’s decision to invest in his development.
