World juniors hero Kakko sets Finnish league record for goals by U18 player
Kaapo Kakko is carving out quite a legacy for himself in his homeland.
One of the top draft-eligible prospects in 2019, Kakko scored his 22nd goal of the season on Thursday, setting a new Liiga record for markers in a season by a player age 18 or younger.
Kakko passed some esteemed company along the way, according to Elite Prospects.
| Player | Season | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaapo Kakko | 2018-19 | 45 | 22 |
| Aleksander Barkov | 2012-13 | 53 | 21 |
| Joel Armia | 2010-11 | 48 | 18 |
| Patrik Laine | 2015-16 | 46 | 17 |
| Artturi Lehkonen | 2012-13 | 45 | 14 |
| Juga Jyrkkio | 1976-77 | 34 | 14 |
| Mikael Granlund | 2009-10 | 43 | 13 |
| Jari Torkki | 1982-83 | 34 | 13 |
| Jesse Puljujarvi | 2015-16 | 50 | 13 |
Here's a look at the record-setting tally:
Here's Kaapo Kakko's record-breaking 22nd goal of the season, most by any U18 player in a season in the #Liiga. #HCTPS #2019NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Qm16cgt6sH
— Jokke Nevalainen (@JokkeNevalainen) March 14, 2019
Kakko, a winger, likely won't drop below No. 2 at this year's draft. He and American Jack Hughes are considered the consensus top two prospects.
Kakko registered five points in seven contests for Finland at this year's World Junior Hockey Championship, including the winning goal in the waning minutes of the gold-medal game against the United States.