From Finnish prodigy to Seattle’s international beacon

When the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off rosters were first unveiled, the Seattle Kraken were conspicuously absent—one of only two NHL teams without representation. But a December trade changed everything. Acquiring Kaapo Kakko, the 23-year-old Finnish winger, not only injected star power into Seattle’s top line but also spared the franchise the ignominy of being sidelined in hockey’s first best-on-best tournament in nearly a decade. For Kraken fans, Kakko’s arrival has been transformative—and his upcoming performance for Team Finland is a must-watch spectacle.

A fresh start in Seattle

Since joining the Kraken on December 18, 2024, Kakko has revitalized a team long reliant on depth scoring. Paired with franchise center Matty Beniers and veteran winger Jaden Schwartz, Kakko’s blend of size, puck control, and playmaking has turned Seattle’s top line into one of the NHL’s most potent trios. In just 24 games, he’s tallied 5 goals and 12 assists, driving a line responsible for 11 even-strength goals in the past month—a stark contrast to his inconsistent tenure with the New York Rangers.

Coach Dan Bylsma praises Kakko’s ability to “create time and space” for his linemates, highlighting his role in elevating Beniers’ production (9 goals since Kakko’s arrival) and Schwartz’s resurgence. For a team that once lacked a true first-line identity, Kakko’s arrival has been a revelation—and a preview of what he might unleash on the international stage.

Kakko’s international pedigree

Long before donning Kraken colors, Kakko built a reputation as a tournament titan. His resume reads like a Finnish hockey fairytale:

1. 2018 World U18 Championships: Led Finland with 10 points in 7 games, including a goal in the gold-medal clash against the U.S.
2. 2019 World Junior Championships: Scored the golden goal against Team USA, cementing his status as a national hero
3. 2019 IIHF World Championships: At just 18, he led Finland’s senior team with 6 goals en route to gold, becoming the youngest player ever to win all three IIHF tournaments (U18, WJC, Worlds).

The 4 Nations Face-Off

The 4 Nations Face-Off—featuring Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland—marks hockey’s return to elite international competition after a nine-year hiatus. For Kakko, it’s a chance to add another chapter to his legacy. Prokected to be slotted on Finland’s third line with the Stars duo of Roope Hintz and Mikael Granlund, he’ll bring a two-way edge and playoff-tested poise to a team dubbed the tournament’s “underdog”.

Finland’s strategy hinges on structure and chemistry, with Kakko’s line tasked with shutting down opponents while capitalizing on transitional play. Despite concerns over Finland’s defensive depth and goaltending, Kakko’s recent form suggests he could be the X-factor. “He’s playing with confidence again,” noted Bylsma—a sentiment echoed by Kakko himself, who attributes his resurgence to Seattle’s trust in his offensive creativity.

Why Kraken fans should watch

1. See Kakko at his best: The tournament’s high stakes mirror playoff hockey, a stage where Kakko has historically thrived. His ability to elevate his game under pressure could foreshadow what’s to come in Seattle’s playoff push.
2. Pride in representation: Kakko is Seattle’s lone representative in the tournament—a badge of honor for a franchise still building its legacy.
3. Finnish Flair: Local watch parties, like the one at 32 Bar & Grill featuring Finnish cuisine, promise a festive atmosphere for fans.

Finland opens against Team USA on February 13 (ESPN, 8:00 p.m. EST), a rematch of Kakko’s 2018 and 2019 golden triumphs. For Kraken faithful, it’s a prime opportunity to witness their newest star shine on hockey’s grandest stage—and perhaps bring home another trophy.

A star reborn

Kaapo Kakko’s journey from Rangers castoff to Seattle’s top-line catalyst is a story of resilience. His history of delivering in clutch moments—combined with a fresh start in the Pacific Northwest—sets the stage for a career-defining tournament. As Kraken fans cheer him on, they’re not just supporting a player; they’re witnessing the rise of a global hockey icon. Tune in, Seattle—this is Kaapo’s moment.

Catch Finland’s games:

• Feb. 13 vs. USA (ESPN) | Feb. 15 vs. Sweden (ABC) | Feb. 17 vs. Canada (TNT)