Kaapo Kakko just threw his head coach Gerard Gallant under the bus and the controversy is growing
One of the most talked about issues during the recent NHL playoffs was when New York Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant decided to pass on young Kaapo Kakko (former 2nd overall pick by the Rangers).
Kakko, 21, has 18 points in 43 games this season and 5 points in 19 games in the most recent playoffs.
The least we can say is that Gallant's decision was not unanimous and it created a controversy in New York. Many fans and journalists criticized him, especially since the "Kid line" seemed to do a good job (Kakko-Chytil-Lafrenière).
When asked about it, to give him a chance to explain his decision, Gallant simply answered that he had tried to win a hockey game.
In the last few hours, it was young Kakko's turn to speak out, and he revealed information that makes his head coach look really bad.
As reported by our colleagues at Fanadiens.com, Kakko spoke out about how he went through the day, and he revealed that his head coach gave him absolutely no explanation.
That doesn't sound ideal for a youngster's development.
According to many, Gerard Gallant really lacked judgment on this one, and some even call it disrespectful to a young player. (the fact that Kakko knew his fate through the board that displayed the lineup)
You can really see the difference with a guy like Martin St-Louis, who constantly takes the time to explain his decisions to his players and often talks to them in private. A modern coach.
As for Kakko, his situation is eerily reminiscent of a certain Jesperi Kotkaniemi a year ago with the Montreal Canadiens, who was also left out of his team's most important game of the year and would become a restricted free agent.
Some New York journalists even talk about a "damaged" relationship between Gallant and the young Kakko. This will be a file to follow closely.
| POLL | ||
Who do you think is the best of the following players? | ||
| Kaapo Kakko | 440 | 54.1 % |
| Jesperi Kotkaniemi | 104 | 12.8 % |
| Jesse Puljujarvi | 270 | 33.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
