Though the Rangers entered September training camp with aspirations of stringing together some wins and making the playoffs, there was no confusing the fact that the priority for the 2019-2020 season was to develop and evaluate.
There are many players to whom this applies. In fact, it’s most of the young, inexperienced roster. But there is nothing more important for the long-term fate of this team than the progression of Kaapo Kakko.
It hasn’t quite worked out this season. The baseline numbers aren’t great. Kakko has just seven goals and ten assists in 49 games despite being deployed in all sorts of advantageous offensive opportunities.