Kaapo Kakko is fueling the debate over who should be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NHL draft.
“This is a big thing for me for the draft,” Kakko told NHL.com through a translator. “I think I can be the first [pick].”
The Finnish star is certainly making his case for the Devils to select him first over American Jack Hughes, who is expected to go to New Jersey on June 21. Kakko, a forward, has six goals in four games, tied for the lead at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia. That includes a highlight-reel goal in a win over Canada in the preliminary round.