The second overall pick from the 2019 NHL Draft is officially signed.
Thursday afternoon, Kaapo Kakko became the fifth teenager from last year’s draft to come to terms with his new NHL team, inking a three-year, entry-level contract.
The New Jersey Devils finally made their decision on who they would draft first overall Friday night at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.
The Devils selected 18-year-old Jack Hughes out of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. According to NHL Central Scouting, Hughes is the “best skater and most dynamic playmaker.” He is also the best center in the draft. Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur announced the pick on stage.
Kaapo Kakko, who wowed fans at the World Championship, went second overall to the New York Rangers. Both players are coming to the Metropolitan Division.
The 2019 IIHF World Championship came to an end on Sunday, with Russia taking home bronze earlier in the day and Finland providing their final upset of the tournament by beating Canada in the gold medal game.
Both Finland and Canada had consistent and strong performances throughout the tournament, but ultimately Finland did just enough to win 3-1.
With the victory, Kaapo Kakko, a likely top-two pick at the 2019 NHL Draft, became a three-time gold medallist, winning championships at all three top levels of the World Championship. Kakko won gold at the Under-18 World Junior Championships with Finland in 2018, and both the Under-20 and World Championship in 2019.
He is 18-years-old.
By Donya Abramo 10 months ago
For most hockey fans, the name Kaapo Kakko doesn’t ring a bell. Soon it will be a household name.
Over the weekend, the Finnish prospect scored five goals in his first two games of the 2019 IIHF World Championship. He’s only 18-years-old.
Kakko is making his first-ever appearance for Finland’s senior World Championship team and is likely to be one of the top two picks in the 2019 NHL Draft in June.
After tallying twice against Canada in his debut game, Kakko scored a hat trick against Slovakia on Saturday. Kakko is the second youngest player in the tournament, behind only 17-year-old Jack Hughes, the United States’ phenom who is projected to be the number one overall pick. The two young prospects are competing against NHL stars and other countries’ top players, most of whom are in their primes and a decade older.
Kakko should be struggling with the level of play. Instead, he’s dominating.
By Donya Abramo and Ian Oland 11 months ago
