Prospect Info: The Second Overall Pick Thread: Part V (Kakko/Hughes Talk)

[Krams]

Hopefully the last one of these before one of 'em is a Ranger

Click to read more...

 

[Riche16]

Ooooooh how do I look in this shiny new thread?

 

[Brooklyn Rangers Fan]

Ooooooh how do I look in this shiny new thread?

Eh, the old one was more flattering to your ass.

 

[Thirty One]

Hopefully the last one of these before one 'em is a Ranger

You're a dreamer.

 

[GAGLine]

You're a dreamer.

I'm not the only one.

 

[Riche16]

Eh, the old one was more flattering to your ass.

You never used to talk to me like this. U used to love my ass.

I guess the “honeymoon” phase is over huh?

 

[Riche16]

I'm not the only one.

I hope someday someone will join us

 

[Bluenote13]

And the Devs will pick Hughes at one !

 

[True Blue]

And the Devs will pick Hughes at one !

Of course they will.

I will say one thing. All are aware of my view on Panarin. But I have also maintained that despite the fact that I do not believe that it will happen, there is a path to Panarin. Usually it starts with Gorton trading Kreider to get one of the coveted centers that we have bantered about. If Shero has a complete brain fart and second guesses himself and takes Kakko and the Rangers take Hughes, that is also one of the ways that I see a path to Panarin.

Again, all not realistic as I believe that there is no way Shero does not take Hughes and I do not believe that Gorton & JD go after Panarin.

 

[kelsier]

Kotkaniemi played 0 games as a center in FEL. I'm quite sure Aho didn't play any either before he was drafted. Kakko has played center in the FEL/CHL (European Champion league) and in the juniors. Quite frankly they'd be stupid not to try him out there. He's got everything you'd want from number 1C. Of course defending at this level needs work and effort. No kid is 100% ready for that when jumping in the small rinks with big men at 18 years of age, well apart from maybe Barkov. Kakko has showed remarkable ability to learn and adapt throughout the year so I have little concern playing strong two-way game would ever be a problem for him looking down the line. I do think he's destined to play in the middle but then again, all due time. He's likely to start as a winger in order to adapt to the NHL even though there hasn't been many kids in the recent past as ready as he is right now.

Watching NYR next year is going to be such a thrill. Got a feeling Kakko's going to become quite a big name in so little time. I just hope they make the right moves and are able to surround him with talent. With that said, couldn't have picked a much better year to be drafting second. Now here's hoping nothing unexpected happens and Kakko really lands @ NYR. Just a few more days!

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

Kotkaniemi played 0 games as a center in FEL. I'm quite sure Aho didn't play any either before he was drafted. Kakko has played center in the FEL/CHL (European Champion league) and in the juniors. Quite frankly they'd be stupid not to try him out there. He's got everything you'd want from number 1C. Of course defending at this level needs work and effort. No kid is 100% ready for that when jumping in the small rinks with big men at 18 years of age, well apart from maybe Barkov. Kakko has showed remarkable ability to learn and adapt throughout the year so I have little concern playing strong two-way game would ever be a problem for him looking down the line. I do think he's destined to play in the middle but then again, all due time. He's likely to start as a winger in order to adapt to the NHL even though there hasn't been many kids in the recent past as ready as he is right now.

Watching NYR next year is going to be such a thrill. Got a feeling Kakko's going to become quite a big name in so little time. I just hope they make the right moves and are able to surround him with talent. With that said, couldn't have picked a much better year to be drafting second. Now here's hoping nothing unexpected happens and Kakko really lands @ NYR. Just a few more days!

Yeah, those FOUR games he played at center really make a difference

 

[Zub]

I have this weird feeling in my tummy and i kinda like it. I feel just as hyped as Matthews fans were before he was drafted. Kakko will be an immidiate impact and eveyone knows it. Can't friggin wait...

 

[kelsier]

Yeah, those FOUR games he played at center really make a difference

What are you saying, that Kakko didn't prove he can play in the middle without being a liability? I believe he scored 4 goals and had 1 assist in those games as well, without looking out of place. Did you watch them even or are you here just seeking for attention? Nevermind this just "FOUR" games when he's played plenty if you add CHL and juniors which I also just stated.

 

[Amazing Kreiderman]

What are you saying, that Kakko didn't prove he can play in the middle without being a liability? I believe he scored 4 goals and had 1 assist in those games as well, without looking out of place. Did you watch them even or are you here just seeking for attention? Nevermind this just "FOUR" games when he's played plenty if you add CHL and juniors which I also just stated.

He didn't play center in the CHL this year. Trust me, I watched the games. Filppula was centering his line. And I have also seen Kakko play in Finland. I am not saying he's bad at center, but to use the argument that "unlike Kotkaniemi he has played center" is ridiculous. It was out of necessity, not because they felt he was better there.

 

[Zub]

What are you saying, that Kakko didn't prove he can play in the middle without being a liability? I believe he scored 4 goals and had 1 assist in those games as well, without looking out of place. Did you watch them even or are you here just seeking for attention? Nevermind this just "FOUR" games when he's played plenty if you add CHL and juniors which I also just stated.

It's still a very small sample size. We need to wait till he joins the big league till we can say fore sure. But if they will try him at center is a thing i wonder too. I wouldn't mind them trying it after a season.

 

[Polar Bear]

Posting just so I can type Kaapo Kakko.

 

[mas0764]

I can't imagine a player like Kakko wouldn't get a look at center at some point. He's already super-valuable, but the plain fact is, if he's anywhere close to just as good at center as at wing, he's even more valuable. He might become, at his age, a top-10 valuable asset in the entire league if he can excel at center (note: I'm not saying top-10 player -- I'm saying top-10 asset; ie, like Bill Simmons does his NBA trade value rankings of players every year, or he used to. Kakko at center probably creeps up pretty close to the top given his age and potential).

If he's much better at wing, that's where he'll be, but the position is just too valuable, Kakko is too well rounded skill-wise, and has too good of a size-speed combination not to be given a look at center at some point.

 

[Zub]

Posting just so I can type Kaapo Kakko.

It really is a cool friggin name isn't it.

 

[Zub]

I can't imagine a player like Kakko wouldn't get a look at center at some point. He's already super-valuable, but the plain fact is, if he's anywhere close to just as good at center as at wing, he's even more valuable. He might become, at his age, a top-10 valuable asset in the entire league if he can excel at center (note: I'm not saying top-10 player -- I'm saying top-10 asset; ie, like Bill Simmons does his NBA trade value rankings of players every year, or he used to. Kakko at center probably creeps up pretty close to the top given his age and potential).

If he's much better at wing, that's where he'll be, but the position is just too valuable, Kakko is too well rounded skill-wise, and has too good of a size-speed combination not to be given a look at center at some point.

When i imagine him at center i think of one player and that's Crosby.

 

[Gardner McKay]

Ooooooh how do I look in this shiny new thread?

 

[YoSoyLalo]

I’d be fine with like 35-40 points from Kakko but I forsee 50+ points and 25+ goals.

I said months ago that I think Kakko has a better that good chance of being a 30 goal guy right away, and I’m sticking to it.

 

[Gardner McKay]

If someone is coming to our board to troll, please let us know. We will take care of it.

 

[HockeyBasedNYC]

I'm shooting for the moon with Kakko. I think he tops 50 points and I'd like to see him do that. Dammit the Rangers never get a top talent like this. I wanna see him dominate.

Of course - It may not be every night and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the rink size, NHL systems, the defensive side of the puck and being a consistent pro.

A lot will depend upon the minutes he's given by Quinn. He averaged .84 points per game in the Liiga and if you translate that to the NHL sked its about 70 points. Given the tighter games, better goaltending, defending etc. I dont think getting around the 50 mark is too outlandish. He will have better teammates to help finish off plays too. I think he's a better playmaker then people notice.

I could certainly live with a 40-45 point rookie campaign, but screw it, I voted the 50 range.

 

[007]

I'd like him to play 82 games in a Rangers jersey. Let's start there, and talk points after.

 

[Thirty One]

I'd like him to play 82 games in a Rangers jersey. Let's start there, and talk points after.

82 games seems pretty unrealistic.