With the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, the Rangers selected forward Kaapo Kakko.
Kakko, 18, skated in 45 games with TPS of Liiga (Finnish Elite League) this past season, registering 22 goals and 16 assists for 38 points, along with a plus-one rating and 10 penalty minutes. Kakko's 22 goals in 2018-19 were the most any U18 player has registered in one season in the history of Finland's top league, breaking the record of 21 set by Aleksander Barkov in 2012-13. In addition, Kakko's 38 points this past season were the third-most in one season by a U18 player in the history of Finland's top league, trailing only Barkov (48 in 2012-13) and Mikael Granlund (40 in 2009-10).
The 6-2, 194-pounder was named the Rookie of the Year in Liiga in 2018-19. Kakko tied for sixth in Liiga (and led all rookies) in goals during the past season. He also tied for second in the league in game-winning goals (seven). Kakko led TPS in goals and game-winning goals, tied for second on the team in shot attempts (228), and tied for third in points this past season, and he also ranked second among team forwards in average ice time in 2018-19 (18:11). He ranked third among all Liiga rookies (and led Liiga rookie forwards) in average ice time during the past season. Kakko also skated in five games with TPS during the 2019 Playoffs, registering four goals and one assist for five points. His four goals during the 2019 Playoffs were tied for the second-most by a U18 player in one year in the history of Liiga (Patrik Laine holds the record - 10 during the 2016 Playoffs). Kakko tied for fourth among all players in Liiga - and led all rookies in the league - in goals during the playoffs this past year. Including the playoffs, he registered 20points (14 goals, six assists) over his final 18 games of the season.
Rangers Select Kaapo Kakko
Blueshirts select 6-2, 194-pound forward with the second overall pick of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft