The Seattle Kraken are ensuring one of their newest members will be around for a few more years.
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The Kraken announced Tuesday they’ve signed Kaapo Kakko to a three-year, $14.25 million deal that will keep the forward in the Emerald City through the 2027-28 season. The new deal also avoids arbitration for Kakko, who was a restricted free agent.
“Getting a contract done with Kakko was a top priority this summer,” Kraken general manager Jason Botterill said in a release. “We knew quickly he’d be a big part of our team moving forward. He’s got size, skill and tremendous playmaking ability, and isn’t afraid of going to the net. He fit in immediately with our group, and we’re thrilled to have him under contract.”
The Kraken acquired Kakko in a December trade that sent defenseman Will Borgen and third- and sixth-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft to the New York Rangers.
Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, produced a career-best 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) over 79 games between his stints with the Kraken and Rangers last season. His 30 assists were also a career high.
kaapo sealed the deal 💯 pic.twitter.com/mRDLoDDB6I
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) March 15, 2025
The winger saw an uptick in his scoring once he arrived in Seattle. After producing four goals and 10 assists in 30 games (0.47 points per game) with New York, he netted 10 goals and dished out 20 assists in 49 games (0.61 point per game) with the Kraken. Kakko’s 17:03 average time on ice after arriving in Seattle was also tops among Kraken forwards.
In six career seasons, Kakko has amassed 161 points (71 goals, 90 assists) over 379 games.
Kakko is the latest forward to re-sign with Seattle. Tye Kartye inked a two-year deal with the Kraken earlier this month.
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