To get to this point, of course there had to be passion. But the way Kaapo Kakko feels about hockey seems to go well beyond the regular definition.
The 18-year-old Finnish winger is set to be one of the top two picks in the NHL draft Friday in Vancouver, either going to the Devils at No. 1 or the Rangers at No. 2. A glimpse into his personality from those who have known him for a few years reveals a player who is not only competitive and driven, but one who also has a childlike love of the game.