New York Rangers

Kaapo Kakko Slams Rangers Over Scapegoat Benching, Calls Out Coach

Kaapo Kakko is not happy with the New York Rangers and slammed them for their decision to bench him and make him a scapegoat.

by
Spencer Lazary
December 17, 2024

The New York Rangers’ drama continues to intensify. After the Jacob Trouba trade debacle and GM Chris Drury openly declaring the team is “open for business,” things have taken yet another turn. This time, young forward Kaapo Kakko publicly expressed frustration, accusing the team of taking out their struggles on him. Is he a scapegoat, and is he ready to leave the Rangers behind?

Kakko Slams Rangers Publicly

In an interview with reporters, Kakko said, “I was surprised, yeah. I know you got to do something as a coach when you’re losing games, but I think it’s just easy to pick a young guy and boot him out.” Going on to criticize the coach for taking out their losing on him, he added:

“That’s how I feel, to be honest. Haven’t been on the ice too much when [opponents] score a goal … I have not been the worst guy, but that was me out of the lineup. The whole team is playing kind of bad, and I get that you got to do something. I don’t know. If I were coach, I would do something also. I was surprised it was me at that point.”

Kakko was a healthy scratch for the first time this season during Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Blues. Through 29 games, he has recorded four goals and 10 assists.

Kaapo Kakko is not happy with the New York Rangers for treating him like a scapegoat

Laviolette Responds to Kakko

The Rangers head coach, Peter Laviolette, also spoke to the media and shared his thoughts on Kakko slamming. “There’s been older players who have sat as well. The decisions that I make, they’re tough decisions. Our team, Kaapo, our team — we need to play better,” the coach said Tuesday. “We’re 3-10 in our last 13 games and that’s not good enough. We need to play a better brand of hockey, all of us.”

Kakko is expected to return to the lineup tonight against the Nashville Predators. Will he respond with a big performance?

While Kakko’s displeasure is clear, his comments have sparked speculation about his future. Could this situation lead to the Rangers considering moving him sooner rather than later?

Next: 3 Paths Forward for the Struggling New York Rangers