Kakko missed 21 games last season due to a lower-body injury, struggled to find chemistry with
Mika Zibanejad and
Chris Kreider, and was dropped to the third line. He finished the season with just 13 goals and 19 points, then only managed one goal in 15 playoff games. At one point, he was even a healthy scratch during the conference final. Despite offseason trade rumors, the 23-year-old is excited to stay with the Rangers and hopes to get his career back on track. He'll start on the third line with a healthy Chytil and
Will Cuylle on Sunday, which could also be his spot when the regular season begins.