Full Breakdown
Kaapo Kakko's Injury and NHL Roster Moves Ahead of 2025-26 Season
9/29/2025, 12:32:23 AM
Kakko's Injury Impact on the Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken announced that winger Kaapo Kakko will be sidelined for six weeks due to a broken hand, an injury sustained from a slash by Beau Akey during a preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers. Kakko, 24, was acquired by the Kraken last year in a trade with the New York Rangers, where he struggled to find his footing, scoring only four goals in 30 games. In contrast, he significantly improved his performance with Seattle, contributing 30 points in 49 games. His absence will be felt as the Kraken aim to rebound from two consecutive seasons below .500 after a promising playoff run in their second year as a franchise.
Roster Cuts and Waiver Activity Across the NHL
As the NHL prepares for the 2025-26 season, teams are actively trimming their rosters. A total of 20 players were placed on waivers on September 27, 2025, as teams finalize their lineups. Notable among these are forwards Vinni Lettieri, Travis Boyd, and Bo Groulx from the Toronto Maple Leafs, who were waived to manage roster depth. Lettieri, who has played 155 NHL games, and Boyd, with 299 games under his belt, both signed one-year contracts with the Maple Leafs this offseason. Their waiving indicates a strategic move to streamline the roster ahead of the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens on October 8.
The Colorado Avalanche also made roster adjustments, placing Alex Barre-Boulet on waivers. Barre-Boulet, who had a productive season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, is seeking a spot on the Avalanche's roster after not being re-signed by the Canadiens.
Additionally, the Columbus Blue Jackets have placed several players on waivers, including Dysin Mayo and Hunter McKown, as they work to finalize their training camp roster. The Blue Jackets currently have 38 players in camp and are expected to make further cuts before their season opener against the Nashville Predators on October 9.
Official Statements & Responses
Seattle Kraken's management expressed confidence in Kakko's ability to recover and contribute significantly upon his return. Meanwhile, Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving emphasized the importance of evaluating player chemistry during training camp, stating, “Step one right now is seeing what we have in camp.”
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have raised concerns regarding the Maple Leafs' decision to waive experienced players like Boyd and Lettieri, questioning whether this could impact the team's depth during the season. Critics argue that the team may be risking valuable experience for the sake of roster flexibility.
What's Next
The Kraken will begin their regular season on October 9 against the Anaheim Ducks without Kakko. Other teams, including the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets, will continue to finalize their rosters in the days leading up to the season, with further waiver activity expected as teams assess their needs and player performances during the preseason.
