Kaapo Kakko Files For Salary Arbitration Despite Impressive Season With Kraken

Former New York Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko filed for salary arbitration on Saturday, according to the NHL Players’ Association.

Kakko is a restricted free agent and, the Seattle Kraken are yet to sign the 24-year-old to a contract extension. 

The 2019 second overall pick was widely expected to be one of the pillars of the Rangers franchise, but over the years, Kakko failed to live up to expectations. 

During the 2024-25 season, Kakko’s role was not increasing, and after getting scratched out of the lineup, he voiced his frustration to the media. 

He was traded to the Seattle Kraken shortly after in a trade that included defenseman Will Borgen. 

With the Kraken, Kakko played some of the best hockey of his NHL career, recording 10 goals, 20 assists, and 30 points in 49 games while averaging 17:03 minutes. 

Despite showing promise in Seattle, it appears as if Kakko and the Kraken management have had trouble coming to terms on a new contract extension, leading the young forward to file for arbitration.

Salary arbitration hearings are scheduled to be held from July 20-Aug. 4. A player can sign a contract with his current team any time before his hearing.