Kaapo Kakko is on a good run in Seattle. He’s showing the same flashes he did on the New York Rangers ‘Kid Line’. At 23, he’s still capable of bringing his game to another level. There will be ups and downs but his overall play has been good and he credits his linemates, Jaden Schwartz and Matty Beniers.

“I think the chemistry has been good. I like to play with those guys. We’ve played together for a long time already. A lot of games. Matty is pretty smart and also Schwartzie. He’s been in the league a long time. I think he’s about scoring goals and Matty and I are trying to make the plays,” said Kakko. “I feel like we have been spending a lot of time in the o-zone in the corners and behind the net. Getting chances from there. It’s been working. Lately, the other teams have been getting some goals so we have to be better in the d-zone.”

Kakko is in a good place. He loves this line and this continuity has helped him. It helps all young players. 

“I feel like our line is getting better and better. It’s getting easier and easier all the time,” he added.

Puck possession is still the strongest part of his game. If he can get the puck near the net Kakko can score. That’s been the case with him for a long time but the difference now is this line enables him to be in that position a lot more.

“ I feel that’s always been my game. Keep the puck down low and behind the net and get one-on-ones with the defense,” Kakko added. “I can score more net front.”

Kakko likes Seattle but New York is still on his mind.

“It’s been good, It’s a little different than New York. It’s been busy with a lot of games. And with the trade, I had to think about the apartment and all of those things. That’s a lot of work,” Kakko admitted. “It’s been good and I like it there.”

Playing in the Olympics is definitely on his wish list.

“I was just at the Four Nations. I played there. I think all the games with the National Team. You want to play,” Kakko emphasized. “As far as the Olympics. I’ve never been out there playing in those games. Same kind of idea as the Four Nations with obviously more teams. Would be nice to be there.”

“Nobody knew what was going to come. There were a lot of good games. When you see all those good players, you know they are going to be good games,” Kakko added. 

Kakko is on pace for 45 points this season. That would be a career-high.