The Seattle Kraken finalized a three-year contract extension with forward Kaapo Kakko on Tuesday, agreeing to a $13.575 million deal that averages $4.525 million annually through the 2027-28 NHL season. This signing follows Kakko’s trade from the New York Rangers to the Kraken last December, aiming to solidify his role as a key offensive contributor. In the 2024-25 season, Kakko produced 14 goals and 30 assists, totaling 44 points in 79 games, as he moves into his seventh year in the NHL.
Kraken’s Strategy Hinges on Kakko’s Potential Growth
Seattle is counting on Kakko’s development to fulfill the high expectations placed on him as the second overall pick of the 2019 NHL draft. The team sees this contract as a bet on unlocking his full offensive upside, hoping he can become a top-line scorer and help the team improve from its position in the NHL standings. Kakko’s progress will be crucial if the Kraken want to advance beyond their current middle-tier status.
Expert Perspectives on Seattle’s Recent Moves
During a recent discussion on Daily Faceoff LIVE, commentators Tyler Yaremchuk and Matt Larkin weighed in on the Kraken’s latest signing and the club’s offseason approach. Yaremchuk expressed approval of the deal as an investment in potential, noting that Seattle has generally been conservative in pursuing high-upside players in recent summers.
“What I like about this is that it’s an upside bet for the Kraken. I feel like this has been yet another summer where they aren’t taking enough upside bets, going and signing a guy like Ryan Lindgren. I applaud them for doing this, I just think they need to do more of it,”
Yaremchuk said.
“What I like about this is that it’s an upside bet for the Kraken. I feel like this has been yet another summer where they aren’t taking enough upside bets, going and signing a guy like Ryan Lindgren. I applaud them for doing this, I just think they need to do more of it.” —Tyler Yaremchuk
Larkin echoed the sentiment, highlighting concerns over Seattle’s repeated focus on middle-tier players despite changes in management. He mentioned several recent signings like Mason Marchment, Frederick Gaudreau, and Ryan Lindgren, describing this as a trend of settling in the NHL’s middle ranks.
“I couldn’t agree more. I have had a hard time understanding what the Kraken have been doing the last couple offseason. I thought bringing in Jason Botterill would change, because you’re pivoting to a different general manager, but they’re still doubling and tripling down on mid. Mason Marchment, Frederick Gaudreau, Ryan Lindgren, this is a team that just seems to want to live in that murky middle,”
he explained.
“I couldn’t agree more. I have had a hard time understanding what the Kraken have been doing the last couple offseason. I thought bringing in Jason Botterill would change, because you’re pivoting to a different general manager, but they’re still doubling and tripling down on mid. Mason Marchment, Frederick Gaudreau, Ryan Lindgren, this is a team that just seems to want to live in that murky middle.” —Matt Larkin
Larkin also noted that the Kraken’s early playoff appearance may have unintentionally hindered their ability to build a deep farm system, which impacts their long-term talent pipeline. He sees the Kakko signing as a rare positive step toward addressing this issue.
“I’ve said many times: they were hurt by making the playoffs in their second season. It elevated expectations, they couldn’t build out their farm system. You need to have a base of young talent. That’s why I do like this bet on Kaapo Kakko,”
Larkin added.
“I’ve said many times: they were hurt by making the playoffs in their second season. It elevated expectations, they couldn’t build out their farm system. You need to have a base of young talent. That’s why I do like this bet on Kaapo Kakko.” —Matt Larkin
Looking Ahead: What the Kakko Contract Means for Seattle’s Future
The Kraken’s commitment to Kaapo Kakko represents a key move in their effort to boost offensive production and climb the NHL standings. If Kakko can develop into the top-line player the franchise anticipates, it could signal a turning point for Seattle’s trajectory, offering a foundation to build around as they balance experience with younger talent. The team must also consider how to complement Kakko’s growth with additional strategic signings and a stronger farm system to avoid stagnation in the league’s middle ranks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Kaapo Kakko diabetes?
A. Kaapo Kakko monitors his blood sugar twice during each break in the game. This is essential for managing his Type 1 diabetes as an NHL player.
Q. What is Kaapo Kakko’s current salary?
A. On Thursday, Kaapo Kakko agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.4 million with the New York Rangers. At 23, he was finishing a two-year contract he signed on July 28, 2022, and might have become a restricted free agent on July 1. “We’ll see, but I like everything here,” Kakko mentioned on June 4.