New Jersey Devils: Should NJD draft Kakko instead of Hughes?
By Mike Marrano
Making his mark at the Worlds
Well, the emergence of Kaapo Kakko at the current Worlds may be a difference maker. Hughes hasn’t performed at the same level as Kaapo Kakko has in Slovakia over the past two and a half weeks. The Finn has been dominant in the tournament and has played well alongside NHL players Sebastian Aho, Patrik Laine.
Kakko had a great showing in Finland’s opener against Canada. He beat two-time Stanley Cup Champion Matt Murray of the Pens twice in Suomi’s 3-1 win. All the numbers that Hughes has put up have been against people his own age, which is still no small feat.
The fact that Kakko is performing well against NHL talent may show that he is the more ready of the pair as they head to the NHL next season. As an early draft pick, a player should be expected to be ready to contribute right away, and Kakko is showing just that.
Through Thursday’s quarterfinals, Kakko has scored six goals, to lead the Finns. His total is one behind the six co-leaders, who are all NHL players. Saturday morning Kakko has a date in the semifinals with Russia and goalie Andrei Vasilevski. It will be another good test for the Sniper.