RW Kaapo Kakko - TPS, Liiga (2019 Draft)

[TheFinnishTrap]

Could only catch glimpses today, but I still managed to catch some nice plays from him. Great puck handling, great boardplay.

 

[Hokinaittii]

His team was very unenthuastic tonight so Kakko couldn't show much in the first two periods but in the 3rd he was solid and had couple of nice shifts.

 

[Hostile Offer]

I'm really impressed by his strength, he is looking great along the boards against men and this kid is just 16! Some nifty hands too, it's going to be really hard to take the puck away from him when he develops even more.

 

[FinPanda]

Looked good and could've scored.

 

[WhatTheDuck]

Looks like a pretty legit prospect for next year, awesome name too.

 

[kelsier]

Any idea why he's not playing today?

 

[Hostile Offer]

Any idea why he's not playing today?

Road game, I guess they just wanted to take the vets there instead because the games are getting critical. Granted, they look terrible in this game without Kakko.

 

[Hokinaittii]

Any idea why he's not playing today?

I feel like it has something to do with Kakko not being quite there yet to play on a daily basis in Liiga team, especially in the 1st line where you are expected to produce, no matter how young you might be. Maybe they could give him some ice-time in 2nd/3rd line so he wouldn't have to play against opponents very best players every shift.

But it's not a big deal if he isn't going to get any more games in Liiga this season, he already got the experience and now he knows excactly what to expect next year when he should become a regular in his Liiga team.

 

[93LEAFS]

Has a goal and an assist with 5 minutes left in the 2nd. I think he's been the most notable Finn so far today. His skill set stands out despite being an underager.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Has a goal and an assist with 5 minutes left in the 2nd. I think he's been the most notable Finn so far today. His skill set stands out despite being an underager.

Where are you watching this? I can't find a link.

 

[93LEAFS]

Where are you watching this? I can't find a link.

https://www.hockeytv.com/#/

30 for the month, so I just got it for this month as I don't really care about having access to Jr. A games.

 

[TakeTheBody]

I was there. He was the best player in both games. Very impressive.

 

[Hokinaittii]

Not surprising to see him already handle U-18 well, he hasn't seemed out of place in U20 or even Liiga.

Here are some clips from Kakko yesterday

 

[tigervixxxen]

Thanks so much for that @Hokinaittii could you do the same for a few other high profile players? Also, do you mind if I share that streamable?

 

[Hokinaittii]

Thanks so much for that @Hokinaittii could you do the same for a few other high profile players? Also, do you mind if I share that streamable?

I will probably if I find the time. And yeah, I don't mind if you share the streamable.

 

[FinPanda]

3 assists against Sweden. Not surprising.

 

[kelsier]

Wow, just finished watching the kid's plays against the Czechs and man is he impressive. Dominating would be the right word perhaps. His ability to hold on to the puck is just something else and those hands are pretty magical. Kakko is going to have a huge year next year, no doubt about it.

Would love to see the clips from other games as well since I'm not watching the tournament itself. I think he's going to do some real damage already this spring at the U18 WJHC.

 

[Hokinaittii]

I think Kakko was among the best from Finland in this tournament with Kotkaniemi.

Here is small montage from Kakko's line play in 5 nations. Kakko having his fair share of good plays.

 

[LOFIN]

I think Kakko was among the best from Finland in this tournament with Kotkaniemi.

Here is small montage from Kakko's line play in 5 nations. Kakko having his fair share of good plays.

Great video! TPS no doubt has high hopes for him, he has a lot of work to do in the summer to get the physical talent needed for Liiga, but no doubt he can make it. His skill is already there.

I don't think we see him in Liiga again this season, which is understandable as TPS is getting their best players in form and ready from the injured reserve, payoffs are about to start and they are really going for it. Hopefully we see him in the U18s, unless TPS would be strougling with injuries.

 

[clevelandcane]

I just discovered this kid recently. Saw him in MI on Saturday. He played pretty well. The name... it might be the best I have EVER heard. I'm definitely a fan. Someone send me this kid's jersey!!!!

 

[kelsier]

I think Kakko was among the best from Finland in this tournament with Kotkaniemi.

Here is small montage from Kakko's line play in 5 nations. Kakko having his fair share of good plays.

Great compilation. Thanks a lot!

That pair of hands. Or perhaps Kakko uses glue on the exterior tape before the games?

 

[FinPanda]

Pronman ranks him 2nd for the 2019 draft at the moment. Really happy that a lot of people finally saw him play internationally.

 

[jalperi]

Pronman ranks him 2nd for the 2019 draft at the moment. Really happy that a lot of people finally saw him play internationally.

Where is the ranking? Could you post it to 2019 draft prospects thread?

 

[FinPanda]

Where is the ranking? Could you post it to 2019 draft prospects thread?

There is no ranking, I just read Pronman's article about 2018/2019 draft players at the U18 tournament. He just mentioned he has Kakko 2nd after Hughes.

 

[jalperi]

There is no ranking, I just read Pronman's article about 2018/2019 draft players in the U18 tournament. He just mentioned he has Kakko 2nd after Hughes.

New Matthews against Laine, of course especially Laine is different type compared to Kakko.