Seattle Kraken right-winger Kaapo Kakko is finding his groove and starting to thrive his new team after being traded from the New York Rangers in December.

The hope when the Seattle Kraken acquired forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers was that the former second-overall pick could reignite his stale career.

Kakko spent Christmas in Seattle at Tolvanen’s house, although the newly acquired winger fielded inquiries from several other Kraken players. The Finns last played together in 2019, so they had a lot to catch up on, sharing “dumb” summer stories and reflecting on their shared history.

Kaapo Kakko scored twice in the third period, Joey Daccord made 33 saves and the Seattle Kraken overcame an early two-goal deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 on Saturday.

Seattle is likely to be a seller once the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline comes around. The Kraken have a couple of veterans they could move at the deadline in exchange for future assets. For instance, veteran center Yanni Gourde is a trade candidate to watch this winter.

Instant chemistry between Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers has generated some cautious optimism for the Kraken, with both enjoying productive stretches.

When captain Jordan Eberle eventually returns from the injured list, the Seattle Kraken might need to find another spot for him in the lineup. Because it appears their top line is set with Jaden Schwartz,

The metrics under the hood tell a curious story centered on one basic fact: Kakko and his linemates are on a shooting hot streak while Lafreniere and his linemates are in a shooting slump.

Schwartz put Seattle ahead 2-1 at 7:40, finishing off a 4-on-2 rush by scoring on a wrist shot from the right circle. Josh Mahura started the break by creating a turnover when he checked Warren Foegele in the defensive zone.

Since being traded away by the New York Rangers, forward Kaapo Kakko has found a new home with the Seattle Kraken. Amid a hot streak, the 23-year-old Finn dropped a bold message, aiming at Peter Laviolette and his former team.

A look at the game “by the numbers.” - The Kraken dominated possession in the first 40 minutes of play earning 52-percent of all shot volume and 66-percent of all shot quality before focusing on a defensive effort in the final twenty minutes of play.

The Seattle Kraken visit the Detroit Red Wings after Kaapo Kakko scored two goals in the Kraken's 6-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.