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.

Since the New York Rangers traded Kakko to Seattle, the young forward has been playing some of the best hockey of his career. The 23-year-old has recorded four goals, six assists and 10 points in 13 games while averaging 16:34 minutes. Confidence is the word Kakko used to describe his overall game and mental state.

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.

“All the Finnish guys know each other, like, somehow,” Kakko said.

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.

He has been a solid fit in the Rangers defense corps since coming to New York in the Kaapo Kakko trade on Dec. 18.

He has always had game-breaking offensive skills coupled with elite vision and strong puck skills, but he has never put that all together in the NHL. Kaako may be rounding into his draft day scouting report on the Kraken's top line.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Kaapo Kakko scored twice in the third period ... Kraken: Rallied from a multi-goal deficit for an NHL-best sixth time, rebounding from a 6-2 loss in Columbus on Thursday ...

The Pittsburgh Penguins are placing veteran goalie Tristan Jarry on waivers. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

Prone to weak starts, the Kraken haven’t figured out how to eliminate them. But they can occasionally win in spite of them.

Dylan DeMelo scored with 27 seconds remaining in the third period as the Winnipeg Jets defeated the visiting Seattle Kraken 2-1 Thursday night to remain tied with Washington for first place in the NHL's overall standings.

The Jets, facing a seemingly insurmountable deficit with time dwindling down, ignited their comeback engine, scoring with a dramatic late surge in the third period to steal a 2-1 victory from the Kraken in a thrilling finish on Thursday,