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Raised expectations for Kaapo Kakko in 2021-22 season

With the sun rising on the 2021-22 season, the final year of the young Kaapo Kakko’s entry level contract is set to begin. With that comes the hefty weight of entering the New York Rangers top six forward group.

The training wheels are off, and it is time for the young winger to step into his new role as a dominant force of the Rangers offense. The departure of Russian winger Pavel Buchnevich cemented Kakko’s new position, whether he is ready or not.

Expectations are already high for a second overall pick. However, without a known quantity like Buchnevich to handle the responsibilities of playing significant ice time, those expectations are increased exponentially.