Rangers, Kaapo Kakko agree to 2-year deal extension

new york rangers, kaapo kakko, rangers, nyr
May 9, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers right wing Kaapo Kakko (24) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

New York Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced today that the team has agreed to terms with forward Kaapo Kakko on a two-year contract extension.

The New York Rangers finally agreed on t terms with forward Kaapo Kakko on a two-year extension. The terms of the deal were not released but are reportedly for $2.1 million AAV per Larry Brooks.

Kakko, who was a restricted free agent, had 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 43 regular-season games for the Rangers last season and five points (two goals, three assists) in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games. The Turku, Finland native has skated in 157 career NHL games, all with New York, collecting 26 goals and 32 assists for 58 points.

“We think the world of him,” Drury said of Kakko. “And we want him here for a long, long time.”

Kakko was originally selected by the Blueshirts in the first round, second overall, of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Cap Issues

Per Capfriendly.com, the Rangers have approximately $1.8 million in cap space.  This is with a 22-man roster. Sammy Blais, who is scheduled to make $1.5 million this year remains on the IR list and his AAV is not charged against the cap until he is activated.

Chris Drury has been walking a tight rope to maneuver within the salary cap which is why the club has been unable to re-sign Tyler Motte.

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