Kaapo Kakko nearing a return to Rangers' lineup
Rangers right wing Kaapo Kakko against the Bruins on Oct. 5, 2023, at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Noah K. Murray
Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko appeared to ratchet up his participation in the team’s morning skate Monday before the Blueshirts’ 6-3 loss to the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden. Rangers coach Peter Laviolette said Kakko is nearing a return to the lineup.
“There were no real restrictions on him [Monday], and so with regard to any change in jersey color, it’ll be close,’’ Laviolette said after the skate.
Kakko, who has been out since suffering what appeared to be a left leg injury Nov. 27, has taken part in the last three morning skates with the Rangers, beginning Thursday. He wore a red jersey (signifying no contact) in each.
On Monday, he skated as a defenseman, partnering with Zac Jones to form a fourth defensive pair for drills. He appeared to move around well and possessed and moved the puck sharply.
The next step for Kakko, who has two goals and one assist in 20 games, will be to practice full contact with no restrictions. Once that happens, he can be considered to return to the lineup.
There is no change to report in the status of Filip Chytil. He remains home in Czechia, Laviolette said, continuing his rehab from what is believed to be a concussion. He missed his 29th game Monday.
Laviolette shakes it up
Laviolette, who has kept things consistent most of the season, shook up his lines in the second period on Monday to try to spark a comeback. He cut his forward rotation to 11, benching rookie call-up Brennan Othmann for all but two shifts in the period; double-shifted Artemi Panarin and changed up his defense pairs, partnering Adam Fox with Erik Gustafsson in an attempt to generate offense.
“Just tried to move it around,’’ Laviolette said. “We’re down 3-1 [after the first period], so just double-shifting a couple players.’’
Othmann played 7 minutes, 11 seconds overall.
Colin Stephenson covers the Rangers for Newsday. He has spent more than two decades covering the NHL and just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
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