Does Game 2 Benching Mark a Turning Point for Kaapo Kakko?

Does Kaapo Kakko’s recent benching mean anything?

Kakko was a healthy scratch for the New York Rangers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final as coach Peter Laviolette decided to go with Matt Rempe over Kako to provide a physical spark.

This was the first time Kakko served as a healthy scratch since the Eastern Conference Final back in 2022 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Will this be a one-time thing for Kakko or will it have long term ramifications on his spot in the lineup?

The Finish native was selected with the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Rangers as there were high expectations on his shoulders.

While earning a regular spot in the lineup, Kakko hasn’t exactly exceeded expectations through five seasons in the NHL.

He’s shown some steady improvement from his rookie campaign back in 2019, but has still yet to reach his highest potential and at times seems to be stagnating in his development.

In 11 playoff games this year, Kakko has just one goal, one assist and two points. He was just not producing enough or providing much of an offensive spark, most likely leading to being placed in the press box instead of the ice.

Jimmy Vesey suffered an upper-body injury in Game 2, so there is still an opening for Kakko to get back into the lineup and he can also always replace Rempe.

However, with Blake Wheeler healthy and Rempe providing a lot of positive energy, it’s possible Laviolette just chooses to keep Kakko as a healthy scratch.

It’s always disappointing to see a player like Kakko with so much potential being benched in an extremely critical playoff game.

The young forward still has time to prove himself though if given the opportunity before he is set to become a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason.