Kaapo Kakko returns today

In some much needed good news, as Kaapo Kakko returns to the lineup today against the Washington Capitals, per Colin Stephenson. Kakko has been out for close to two months now with a knee injury that looked a lot worse than it apparently was. His return to the lineup is much needed, even if just for roster balance. He pushes Anton Blidh out of the lineup and probably Jonny Brodzinski to the fourth line.

One of the problems the Rangers have had is players playing out of their intended role. Notably, Blake Wheeler spent too much time on the top line, Barclay Goodrow is still masquerading as a 3C, and the Rangers have had a rotation of 15/16Fs playing in fourth line roles. With one of their top defensive forwards back, this should also help shore up the defensive and neutral zone play as well.