Newsday's Colin Stephenson talks about how Rangers rookie Kaap Kakko has improved since the season was paused in March. Credit: Newsday / Colin Stephenson
GREENBURGH, N.Y. — Kaapo Kakko is a diabetic and also suffers from the rare condition known as celiac disease, which means he has to follow a strict gluten-free diet. His medical history has never gotten in the way of him playing hockey before, but in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic — where pre-existing conditions put people at greater risk from the virus — the Rangers did wonder whether it was safe to allow the 19-year-old to come back with them when they restart the NHL season Aug.