Devils Rival, Rangers GM Issues Vow of Confidence in Kaapo Kakko

In an alternate universe, the New Jersey Devils are currently sitting with the problem their rival, the New York Rangers currently have. 2019 second overall selection, Kaapo Kakko, just hasn’t panned out. On Tuesday, Rangers general manager Chris Drury issued a vow of confidence in the Finnish forward.

It was a toss-up at the time on who would go first overall in 2019. The Devils owned the first overall selection and, thus, selected Jack Hughes — now their franchise center. The Rangers, with a bit of luck on their side, moved up four spots in the 2019 Draft Lottery, and owned the second-overall selection. That pick turned into Kakko. Five years later, Hughes and Kakko have had very different trajectories.

Before he suffered a shoulder injury last season, Hughes was well on his way to a career year after collecting 45 points in 31 games. Had he not sustained the shoulder injury, the Devils superstar was on pace to break his career-high in points set the season prior (99), scoring at a near 120-point pace.

The Devils certainly hope that since Hughes has had surgery and the proper amount of time to heal, he can replicate that pre-injury form.

Injuries aside, it’s clear the Devils got the pick right by taking Jack Hughes first overall.

For Kakko, however, his career in the NHL thus far hasn’t been as kind.

2022-23 seemed to be a step forward for the 23-year-old forward after he registered career highs in goals (18), assists (22), and points (40). However, despite battling injuries, Kakko regressed to just 13 goals and 19 points in 61 contests last season.

While speaking with the Rangers media during a phone conference on Tuesday, Drury issued a vow of confidence in the Finnish forward.

“He dealt with an injury last year, and admittedly didn’t have the best year,” Drury said. “We’re excited to have him back. He’s a real good, young, talented player. He’s healthy. Another guy that had a terrific offseason and in early testing just looks great. I think he’s out to prove that last year was a fluke, and he’s ready to have a good year for us.”

Despite Kakko’s lack of contribution, the Rangers were President’s Trophy Champions last season. That had a lot to do with the emergence of Alexis Lafreniere — the first overall pick in 2020 — who had a breakout season.

Losing in the Conference Final to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions has certainly left a sour taste in the Rangers’ mouth. Yet, despite getting so close to the Stanley Cup Final, Drury had a relatively quiet summer in terms of improving his team.

The Rangers GM is banking on — and hoping — Kakko can have a breakout performance, much like Lafreniere did last season. If so, the Rangers will have gained another dangerous, young forward with a high ceiling. If not, it could spell Kakko’s last stint with the Blueshirts, and perhaps in the NHL.

Regardless, the Rangers are still expected to be in the mix to win the Metropolitan Division again.

On the other side of the Hudson, the Devils are a vastly improved team after a disappointing 2023-24. In fact, they’re expected to compete with the Rangers for the Metropolitan Division title in 2024-25. Kakko will play a pivotal role in whether the Rangers repeat their regular season success from last year.

Between Kurtis MacDermid and Matt Rempe, the Devils-Rangers rivalry last season sparked a new hatred between the two clubs. It’s only about to reach new heights in 2024-25.

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