The Rangers didn't announce the financial terms of the deal, but Kakko will come with a $2.1 million cap hit according to CapFriendly. Kakko was taken with the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry, but he hasn't developed as hoped. Through 157 career games, he has scored 26 goals and 58 points. In 2021-22 specifically, he finished the campaign with seven goals and 18 points in 43 contests. It's been disappointing, but he's still just 21 years old. How he does over these next two seasons will go a long way towards determining what type of player he'll ultimately become.

Kakko was a healthy scratch in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final against Tampa Bay when the Rangers were eliminated from the postseason. He said that he just saw the lineup without him on Saturday and no one gave him any explanation for the decision at the time. Kakko hasn't soured on playing for New York and said what he wants in his next contract won't influenced by the choice to scratch him. 

Kakko didn't play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final against Tampa Bay on Saturday when the Rangers were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. "Trying to win a hockey game," said Gallant on Monday. He stressed that they still think very highly of Kakko and see him as a top-six forward for the team. 

Kakko didn't play on Saturday night against Tampa Bay. "I’m not going to talk about it," said coach Gerard Gallant after the contest, while adding that now isn't the right time. The Rangers were eliminated from the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs following a 2-1 loss to the Lightning. Kakko concluded the postseason with two goals, three assists and 27 shots in 19 games.