The New York Rangers made an unexpected announcement on Thursday, June 13, that they had extended the contract of restricted free agent Kaapo Kakko for another year, finalizing a one-year contract worth $2.4 million.

This agreement matches Kakko’s qualifying offer and ensures that the Finnish winger will open the 2024-25 season with the Rangers. Kakko will re-enter restricted free agency on July 1, 2025.

The $2.4 million contract provides cost certainty for the Rangers or any potential trade partners. This figure is slightly below Evolving-Hockey’s projection of $2.8 million AAV for a two-year deal. General manager Chris Drury compared Kakko’s situation to Alexis Lafreniere’s last year, expressing optimism for Kakko’s development.

Kakko’s Complicated Career in New York

The Rangers drafted Kakko with the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft. Since then, he’s experienced an up-and-down career in Manhattan.

Kakko managed 13 goals and 6 assists in 61 regular-season games in 2024. His postseason contributions were minimal, with only 1 goal and 1 assist in 15 games in the playoffs.