“All the Finnish guys know each other, like, somehow,” Kakko said.

Averaging 15:13 of ice time, just four seconds shy of a whole two-minute bump from his 13:17 average in New York this season, Kakko recorded more minutes on Dec. 28 (18:18) than he ever did under Rangers coach Peter Laviolette.

Kakko spent Christmas in Seattle at Tolvanen’s house, although the newly acquired winger fielded inquiries from several other Kraken players. The Finns last played together in 2019, so they had a lot to catch up on, sharing “dumb” summer stories and reflecting on their shared history.

The New York Rangers traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Dec. 18 and he has taken off ever since. In 10 games with the Kraken, the 23-year-old forward has recorded three goals, four assists and seven points. He is also averaging 15:59 minutes per game compared to his 13:17 minutes with the Rangers, which is a substantial increase.

He has been a solid fit in the Rangers defense corps since coming to New York in the Kaapo Kakko trade on Dec. 18.

Kaapo Kakko (Seattle Kraken) with a Goal vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 01/14/2025