Kaapo Kakko Bio
Kaapo Ville Olavi Kakko is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who currently serves as a forward for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Turku, Finland native was selected second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL entry draft and developed into a consistent two-way forward during his five and a half seasons with the organization. Kakko plays right wing and brings a combination of skill, size, and hockey intelligence to the ice. He made his professional debut with TPS in the Finnish Liiga before ascending to the NHL. Kakko has represented Finland internationally at both the junior and senior levels, earning gold medals at multiple IIHF world championship tournaments.
Early Life and Background
Kaapo Ville Olavi Kakko was born on 13 February 2001 in Turku, Finland. He grew up in the hockey-rich region of southwestern Finland, where he began developing his skills at a young age. Turku has produced several notable Finnish hockey players, providing a strong developmental environment for young talent. Kakko showed promise early in his career, demonstrating the hand-eye coordination and hockey sense that would later make him a high draft pick.
Beyond hockey, Kakko has faced personal health challenges throughout his life. He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires careful management as a professional athlete. He also lives with celiac disease, which necessitates attention to diet and nutrition. These conditions have not prevented him from reaching the highest levels of the sport, and he has spoken openly about managing them while maintaining peak athletic performance.
Path to Professional Hockey
Kakko began his professional career with TPS of the Finnish Liiga during the 2017-2018 season. At just 16 years old, he was playing against men in one of Europe’s top hockey leagues, gaining invaluable experience that would prepare him for the North American game. His time with TPS showcased his ability to compete physically despite his youth, as he measured 6 feet 1 inch and 215 pounds even as a teenager.
His performance with TPS and at international tournaments made him one of the most sought-after prospects heading into the 2019 NHL draft. As the top-ranked European skater in his draft class, Kakko drew attention from scouts for his complete game—combining offensive skill with responsible defensive play. His draft year was marked by a standout performance at the 2019 World Junior Championships, where he scored the gold medal-winning goal for Finland on January 5, 2019. He followed that by leading the Finnish senior team with six goals at the 2019 World Championship, helping the nation capture another gold medal.
Kaapo Kakko Career
New York Rangers (2019–2024)
On 21 June 2019, Kakko was selected second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL entry draft, fulfilling the pre-draft projection that he would be among the first players chosen. The Rangers had high expectations for the young Finn, viewing him as a foundational piece for their rebuild. He signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the team on 11 July 2019, officially joining the organization.
Kakko made his NHL debut on 3 October 2019 in the Rangers’ season opener. He scored his first NHL goal on 12 October 2019 during a home game against the Edmonton Oilers. The milestone was historic, as Kakko became the eighth player in Rangers franchise history to score a goal at age 18 or younger. He also became the second player in NHL history born in the 21st century to score a goal, accomplishing this feat just hours after Winnipeg Jets prospect Ville Heinola. This early success provided a promising start to his North American career.
Following his entry-level contract, Kakko continued developing his game with the Rangers. On 28 July 2022, he signed a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension with New York as a restricted free agent. This deal reflected the organization’s continued belief in his potential. He subsequently signed another one-year, $2.4 million extension on 13 June 2024, keeping him with the Rangers through the 2024-2025 season. Throughout his time in New York, Kakko established himself as a reliable two-way forward capable of playing both right wing and center.
Seattle Kraken (2024–Present)
During the 2024-2025 season, Kakko’s career took a significant turn when he was traded by the New York Rangers to the Seattle Kraken on 18 December 2024. The trade sent Kakko to Seattle in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and two draft picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. The move marked the end of his tenure with the Rangers organization, where he had spent his first five and a half NHL seasons.
Kakko joined a Seattle Kraken team in the early stages of building its competitive roster. The opportunity represented a fresh start for the 23-year-old forward, who brought youth, skill, and international experience to his new club. His transition to the Pacific Northwest required adapting to a new city, new teammates, and a different conference within the NHL.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kakko is known for his strong skating ability and powerful frame, which allows him to win puck battles along the boards and protect the puck in tight spaces. At 6 feet 1 inch and 215 pounds, he has the size to compete physically against larger opponents. He plays a responsible two-way game, contributing in both offensive and defensive situations. His versatility enables him to play multiple forward positions, including center, which adds tactical flexibility for his coaching staff.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Kakko’s most significant international achievement came at the 2019 World Junior Championships, where his gold medal-winning goal secured Finland’s championship. He followed this by leading Finland’s senior team with six goals at the 2019 World Championship, contributing to another gold medal. These performances solidified his reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations. He holds the distinction of being the youngest player in ice hockey history to win gold in all three major IIHF world championship tournaments—the World U18 Championships, the World Junior Championships, and the World Championships.
Kaapo Kakko Career Statistics
Throughout his NHL career, Kakko has established himself as a consistent scoring threat while developing his all-around game. His early career totals reflect the experience gained through full NHL seasons with the Rangers before his move to Seattle.
NHL Highlights
Kakko’s most notable NHL milestone remains his first career goal on 12 October 2019 against the Edmonton Oilers. The goal placed him in Rangers franchise history as one of the youngest players to score for the organization. During his time with the Rangers, he appeared in over 300 NHL games, contributing steady offensive production while developing into a reliable two-way player. His trade to Seattle in December 2024 opened a new chapter in his professional career.
International Achievements
Internationally, Kakko has been a consistent performer for Finland across multiple age groups. His gold medal-winning goal at the 2019 World Junior Championships stands as one of the defining moments of his career. At the senior level, his six-goal performance at the 2019 World Championship demonstrated his ability to compete against the world’s best players. His achievement of winning gold at all three IIHF championship levels at the youngest age in history underscores his exceptional talent and competitive drive.
Personal Life
Health and Fitness
Kakko manages Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease as part of his daily life as a professional athlete. These conditions require careful monitoring of blood sugar levels and strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. He has spoken publicly about how these health challenges have taught him discipline and responsibility from a young age. His ability to manage these conditions while performing at the highest levels of professional hockey serves as inspiration for young athletes facing similar health challenges.
Off-Ice Life
As a Finnish player who spent significant time in North America, Kakko has navigated the experience of living abroad while maintaining connections to his home country. His professional career has taken him from Finland to New York City and now to Seattle, each city presenting unique cultural and lifestyle adjustments. He continues to represent Finland in international competitions, maintaining a strong connection to his national team despite his NHL commitments.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with a challenging development for Kakko. On 27 September 2025, during a preseason game with the Seattle Kraken, he suffered a broken hand that required surgery. The injury ruled him out for approximately six weeks, disrupting his preparation for the regular season. This setback came as he was aiming to establish himself with his new organization following the mid-season trade from New York the previous year.
The injury occurred during a preseason contest, highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional sports. For Kakko, the rehabilitation process required patience and dedication as he worked to return to game action. The Kraken’s medical staff provided support during his recovery, focusing on restoring full function to his hand while maintaining his overall conditioning.