Kaapo Kakko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kaapo Kakko |
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Kakko with the Seattle Kraken in 2024
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| Born | 13 February 2001 Turku, Finland |
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| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | ||
| Weight | 215 lb (98 kg; 15 st 5 lb) | ||
| Position | Forward | ||
| Shoots | Left | ||
| NHL team Former teams |
Seattle Kraken TPS New York Rangers |
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| National team |  Finland |
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| NHL Draft | 2nd overall, 2019 New York Rangers |
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| Playing career | 2017–present | ||
Kaapo Ville Olavi Kakko, born on February 13, 2001, is a talented ice hockey player from Finland. He plays as a forward for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL). Kaapo was chosen second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL entry draft. He played for the Rangers for over five years before joining the Kraken. Kaapo usually plays as a right wing, but he can also play in the center position. Before joining the NHL, he played professionally for TPS in Finland's top league, Liiga.
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Playing in the NHL
Starting with the New York Rangers
On June 21, 2019, Kaapo Kakko was one of the most exciting young players in Europe. He was picked second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL Draft. This meant he was one of the very first players chosen by an NHL team that year. On July 11, 2019, he signed his first professional contract with the Rangers. This contract is called an "entry-level contract" for new players.
Kaapo played his first NHL game for the Rangers on October 3, 2019. Just nine days later, on October 12, he scored his first NHL goal. This happened during a home game against the Edmonton Oilers. Scoring at 18 years old made him one of the youngest players in Rangers history to score a goal. He was also one of the first players born in the 21st century to score in the NHL.
After his first contract ended, Kaapo signed a new two-year contract with the Rangers on July 28, 2022. He signed another one-year contract extension with them on June 13, 2024.
Joining the Seattle Kraken
During the 2024–25 NHL season, Kaapo Kakko was traded to a new team. On December 18, 2024, the Rangers traded him to the Seattle Kraken. In return, the Rangers received player Will Borgen and two draft picks for the 2025 NHL Draft.
Playing for Finland
Kaapo Kakko has proudly represented his home country, Finland, in many international ice hockey tournaments. He has achieved great success with the Finnish national teams.
| Medal record | ||
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| Men's ice hockey | ||
| Representing Finland |
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| World Championships | ||
| Gold | 2019 Slovakia | |
| World Junior Championships | ||
| Gold | 2019 Canada | |
| World U18 Championships | ||
| Gold | 2018 Russia | |
Kaapo scored the winning goal for the Finnish junior team in the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships on January 5, 2019. This goal helped Finland win the gold medal. He is also the youngest player ever to win gold medals in all three major international ice hockey championships:
- The IIHF World U18 Championship (for players under 18)
- The IIHF World U20 Championship (for players under 20)
- The Ice Hockey World Championships (for senior players)
Kaapo also played for the Finnish senior team in the 2019 IIHF World Championship. He was the top goal scorer for Finland in that tournament, scoring six goals. Finland went on to win the gold medal in that championship as well.
About Kaapo's Health
Kaapo Kakko has Type 1 diabetes, which means his body cannot make enough insulin. He also has celiac disease, which is a condition where he cannot eat gluten. Despite these health challenges, he has become a successful professional athlete.
Awards and Honours
Kaapo Kakko has received several awards for his excellent play:
| Award | Year | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Liiga | ||
| Jarmo Wasama Memorial Trophy | 2019 | |
| President's Trophy | 2019 | |
