Kaapo Kakko Bio
Kaapo Ville Olavi Kakko is a Finnish professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Selected second overall by the New York Rangers in the 2019 NHL entry draft, Kakko spent the first five and a half years of his NHL career with the Rangers before being traded to Seattle in December 2024. A right winger with experience at centre, he is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished Finnish prospects of his generation. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 215 pounds, Kakko combines size with skilled playmaking.
Early Life and Background
Kaapo Kakko was born on 13 February 2001 in Turku, Finland. He grew up in the southwestern coastal city and was immersed in Finnish hockey culture from a young age, a region known for producing elite-level talent. Turku has long been home to TPS, one of the most storied clubs in Finnish hockey history, and the city’s developmental system provided a natural pathway for Kakko to begin his career.
Kakko progressed through the TPS youth ranks and quickly drew attention for his combination of size, skating ability, and scoring touch. His family supported his development in a hockey-mad country where the sport is a national passion. While specific details about his parents and formal education are not publicly confirmed, his rapid rise through the junior system reflected a strong foundation built in Turku.
Path to Hockey
Kakko made his professional debut with TPS of the Finnish Liiga in 2017 at the age of 16, becoming one of the youngest players ever to appear in the top Finnish league. His poise and production at such a young age quickly made him a prominent prospect on the international stage. He represented Finland in multiple junior tournaments, building a reputation as a clutch performer.
His defining junior moment came on 5 January 2019, when he scored the gold medal-winning goal for Finland at the 2019 World Junior Championships. That same year, he also played for Finland’s senior team at the 2019 World Championship, where he led the team with six goals as Finland captured gold. Entering the 2019 NHL entry draft, Kakko was ranked as the top European skater, and the New York Rangers selected him second overall on 21 June 2019.
Kaapo Kakko Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Kakko’s early professional career in Finland with TPS marked him as a generational talent in European hockey. He contributed meaningfully to TPS during his two seasons in the Liiga, gaining valuable experience against grown men in a top professional league. His play at both the junior and senior international levels cemented his status as a top prospect heading into the NHL draft.
During the 2019 World Junior Championships, Kakko delivered the most important goal of his young career, scoring the gold medal winner for Finland. Just months later, he helped Finland win gold at the senior World Championship, leading his country in goals during the tournament. These achievements made him the youngest player in ice hockey history to win gold in all three IIHF world championship tournaments, including the World U18 Championships, the World Junior Championships, and the World Championships.
New York Rangers Era (2019–2024)
On 11 July 2019, Kakko signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Rangers and made his NHL debut on 3 October 2019 against the Edmonton Oilers. Nine days later, on 12 October, he scored his first NHL career goal against Edmonton at Madison Square Garden, becoming the eighth player in Rangers history to score a goal at age 18 or younger. That same day, he became the second player born in the 21st century to score an NHL goal, following Winnipeg Jets rookie Ville Heinola who scored earlier that day.
Following the conclusion of his entry-level contract, Kakko was re-signed by the Rangers to a two-year, $4.2 million contract extension on 28 July 2022. As a restricted free agent in 2024, he signed a one-year, $2.4 million extension with New York on 13 June 2024. During his time with the Rangers, Kakko developed into a reliable two-way forward, contributing offensively while taking on responsible defensive roles.
Seattle Kraken Era (2024–Present)
On 18 December 2024, during the 2024–25 season, the New York Rangers traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and two draft picks in 2025. The move gave Kakko a fresh opportunity in a young, rebuilding Seattle organization. He joined the Kraken and quickly became part of their forward group, playing on the right wing.
On 27 September 2025, Kakko suffered a setback when he broke his hand during a preseason game and was ruled out for approximately six weeks. The injury interrupted his preparation for the regular season but was not expected to be a long-term concern. His transition to the Kraken marks a new chapter in his career as he continues to establish himself in the Pacific Division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Kaapo Kakko plays a complete two-way game, combining a strong 6-foot-1 frame with smooth skating and excellent puck skills. He is comfortable operating along the boards, protecting the puck, and distributing to linemates from the cycle game. While primarily a right winger, his experience at centre gives coaches tactical flexibility. He has shown a willingness to play in all situations, including penalty killing and key defensive matchups, while continuing to develop his offensive consistency at the NHL level.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Kakko’s most notable milestones is his record as the youngest player in ice hockey history to win gold at all three IIHF world championship levels, including the U18s, World Juniors, and senior Worlds. His gold medal-winning goal at the 2019 World Junior Championships stands as a defining early career moment. His NHL first goal against the Edmonton Oilers in October 2019 also marked him as only the second player born in the 21st century to score in the league.
Kaapo Kakko Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Specific details about Kaapo Kakko’s parents and family members are not publicly confirmed through reliable sources. He was raised in Turku, Finland, a city with deep hockey roots and home to the TPS organization where he began his career.
Personal Life
Kakko has Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, conditions he has managed throughout his professional career. He has not publicly confirmed a spouse or children. As of the most recent available information, Kakko continues to focus on his hockey career with the Seattle Kraken.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year was a transitional period for Kaapo Kakko. Following his December 2024 trade to the Seattle Kraken, he spent the remainder of the 2024–25 season integrating into the Seattle lineup and adjusting to a new organization. The Kraken, in the midst of a developmental phase, gave Kakko an opportunity to play significant minutes in their top-six forward group and contribute on both special teams units.
Kakko’s momentum was interrupted on 27 September 2025 when he broke his hand during a preseason game, ruling him out for approximately six weeks. The injury came at an inopportune time as he was preparing for the start of the regular season with a new team. Recovery and rehabilitation timelines suggested he would return to action later in the fall.
Looking ahead, Kakko’s outlook in Seattle remains positive as he looks to establish himself as a core piece of the Kraken’s forward core. With his contract running through the 2024–25 extension and his proven track record at the international and NHL levels, the 2025–26 season represents an opportunity for Kakko to showcase his full offensive skill set. His blend of size, hockey IQ, and international pedigree gives Seattle a versatile winger capable of playing in all situations.
