Kaapo Kakko has officially found a long-term home in the NHL — and the Seattle Kraken wasted no time making their intentions clear. After a breakout half-season with the club, the 24-year-old forward re-signed a three-year contract with an AAV of $4.525 million, solidifying his place in the team’s core moving forward.
Kakko was acquired from the New York Rangers in December and immediately became one of Seattle’s most reliable forwards during their playoff surge. His ability to blend size, vision and offensive instinct made an immediate impression — and now the Kraken are signaling full confidence in his role going forward.
“Getting a contract done with Kaapo was a top priority this summer,” Kraken GM Jason Botterill said in the team’s announcement, according to NHL.com. “We knew quickly he’d be a big part of our team moving forward. He’s got size, skill and tremendous playmaking ability, and isn’t afraid of going to the net. He fit in immediately with our group, and we’re thrilled to have him under contract.”
A career year in two sweaters
Kakko recorded a career-high 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) over 79 regular-season games split between the Rangers and Kraken in the 2024–25 season. He also notched personal bests in assists (30), power-play goals (4), and posted his second-most productive goal-scoring campaign.
Traded to Seattle on Dec. 18, Kakko added 30 points in 49 games and emerged as a reliable force, logging a five-game point streak in January and co-leading the team in even-strength production.
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A strong fit for Seattle’s future
Since arriving, Kakko ranks among the team leaders in nearly every offensive category, further validating Kraken’s investment. His strong blend of size, skill, and consistency makes him a foundational piece in Seattle’s evolving roster.
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Drafted second overall in 2019, Kakko now leads his class in games played and continues to climb in goals and assists — a testament to his durability and growth. Botterill’s message signals not only commitment, but high expectations ahead of a pivotal NHL season for the franchise.
