Kaapo Kakko is set to return to the Rangers for Saturday’s game against the Devils, after missing the last six games due to an attack with COVID-19.
The 20-year-old was placed on the COVID-19 protocol list for the second time this season on February 20th. After recording a false positive during his first short period on the list (he missed the game on February 1), Kakko revealed on Friday that he had contracted the coronavirus and that is why his absence was much longer this time.
Kakko said after practice that he was “a little sick, but not too bad.”
“I think it’s a little difficult [to get back into game shape], “he added.” I was on the ice with the team [Thursday] and [Friday], so sometimes it takes time, but to feel good now. ”
After Kakko trained with the Rangers for the first time during the morning skate before Thursday’s 6-1 victory over the Devils, head coach David Quinn said he is still going through the protocol of returning to the game and is not eligible to compete.
With another game in Newark scheduled for Saturday night, Kakko expects to return immediately to the second line alongside Chris Kreider and Ryan Strome. Prior to being placed on the COVID-19 protocol list, Kakko had accompanied Strome to Alexis Lafreniere, the top pick in 2020. But with Lafreniere’s promotion to the top, Kreider will likely be on the left wing now.
Kakko, Strome and Kreider recorded only 3:51 of ice time together, according to Natural Stat Trick. However, Kreider’s current hot series of two hat-tricks in the last five games should allow Kakko to relax back.
In his last five games before entering the coronavirus protocol list, Kakko generated a ton of photos on the gate and recorded more than 17 minutes of ice every night.
“Yes, I played well before [going on the list] and I think he’s trying to play like that, “Kakko said. “I think he’s coming, just try to keep it [playing] the same way. This is.”