Kakko enters the 2019 draft as Europe's No. 1-ranked skater by Central Scouting. The Finnish phenom appears to be NHL ready and is virtually a lock to be drafted first or second overall. 

Kakko has experienced winning at the international level twice in his young career, capturing gold at the 2018 U-18s and the 2019 world juniors. 

Even though Kakko has cemented his status as a top-two NHL prospect and already has two gold medals in his trophy case, the 18-year-old is consistently honing his craft to become the best player he can leading up to this year's draft in Vancouver. 

Kakko suited up for his hometown team TPS Turku of the Finnish pro league this season and set an impressive record along the way. His 22 goals (in 45 games) were the most ever by an Under-18 player, topping the benchmark set by current Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. 

Kakko is battling USA's Jack Hughes for the top selection in June, and if the New Jersey Devils buy into the Finn's outstanding draft year, Kakko will be the first Finnish player to ever be drafted first overall.