The hope when the Seattle Kraken acquired forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers was that the former second-overall pick could reignite his stale career.

Instant chemistry between Kaapo Kakko and Matty Beniers has generated some cautious optimism for the Kraken, with both enjoying productive stretches.

Kakko spent Christmas in Seattle at Tolvanen’s house, although the newly acquired winger fielded inquiries from several other Kraken players. The Finns last played together in 2019, so they had a lot to catch up on, sharing “dumb” summer stories and reflecting on their shared history.

Kaapo Kakko scored twice in the third period, Joey Daccord made 33 saves and the Seattle Kraken overcame an early two-goal deficit to beat the Buffalo Sabres 6-2 on Saturday.

Jared McCann had a goal and two assists while John Hayden, Chandler Stephenson, Matty Beniers, Jamie Oleksiak and Adam Larsson also scored for Seattle. Ryker Evans tallied a pair of assists, and goalie Joey Daccord stopped 25 of 29 shots. The Sabres went 1-for-3 on the power play and killed one of two shorthanded situations.

The metrics under the hood tell a curious story centered on one basic fact: Kakko and his linemates are on a shooting hot streak while Lafreniere and his linemates are in a shooting slump.

When captain Jordan Eberle eventually returns from the injured list, the Seattle Kraken might need to find another spot for him in the lineup. Because it appears their top line is set with Jaden Schwartz,

Since being traded away by the New York Rangers, forward Kaapo Kakko has found a new home with the Seattle Kraken. Amid a hot streak, the 23-year-old Finn dropped a bold message, aiming at Peter Laviolette and his former team.

Seattle Kraken veteran forward Jaden Schwartz is having one of the best offensive seasons of his career as he enters the later stages of his career.

Jaden Schwartz scored his fifth career hat trick and the fourth hat trick in Seattle Kraken history in a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night.

Schwartz scored the fifth hat trick of his career tonight and his first since Mar. 19, 2019. This was his fifth multi-goal game with Seattle, tying Oliver Bjorkstrand (5) for the third most in franchise history behind Jared McCann (10) and Jordan Eberle (7).

The New York Rangers traded Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Dec. 18 and he has taken off ever since. In 10 games with the Kraken, the 23-year-old forward has recorded three goals, four assists and seven points. He is also averaging 15:59 minutes per game compared to his 13:17 minutes with the Rangers, which is a substantial increase.