Finland has never had a player selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft, and finally the time for this to happen has arrived in 2019. An imposing forward standing at 6’2’’ and 190 pounds, Kaapo Kakko moved into the centre role during the month of December, and his power and creativity made it a smooth transition to be able to excel in that position.
While Jack Hughes played Junior hockey in his draft year, Kakko was playing with the pros, which could have more value in the draft. If that wasn’t enough, Kakko beat Patrik Laine’s Liiga regular-season scoring record for draft-eligible players.