Kaapo Kakko couldn't be happier to no longer wear a New York Rangers uniform.
Thursday, during his first media appearance as a Seattle Kraken player, the 23-year-old hockey player did not hide the fact that he did not like his situation with the Big Apple team.
“I was frustrated,” Kakko said. I think anyone would be if they're not playing. Everyone wants to play and that’s what I want too.”
The young man went from Rangers to 32e National Hockey League (NHL) team on Wednesday. In return for the man who was selected with the second overall pick in the 2019 draft, the Blueshirts got their hands on defenseman Will Borgen, a third-round pick and a sixth-round selection at the next auction.
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Kakko also revealed he expected to be traded, after publicly criticizing head coach Peter Laviolette's decision to cut him.
“The team [les Rangers] wasn't playing well enough and they needed to do something. I knew it could be me. I was honest. The other guys were playing advantage and penalty kill. I did not evolve on these units.
He wants his chance
The Finn was also questioned about the setbacks of the New York club and the departure of Jacob Trouba. The one who was captain of the Rangers was traded to the Anaheim Ducks a little less than two weeks before it was Kakko's turn to pack his bags.
“There was no more captain there. He was a good guy. Everyone loved him, he said. There was a lot going on. When you lose matches, it's never a good thing. You want to play and win. So it’s difficult for everyone there.”
And regarding his new team, Kakko just wants a real opportunity to show what he can do.
“I hope I get a chance here. I think that's what the coach told me, that I had to play my way and that he was going to trust me. That's all I need. What I'm going to do on the ice is up to me. I’m excited and ready.”
