Kakko Out Six Weeks With Broken Hand

Kaapo Kakko will miss about six weeks with a broken hand after being slashed by Edmonton Oilers prospect Beau Akey in a preseason game, exiting after roughly two minutes of play. The 24-year-old, acquired from the New York Rangers on Dec. 19, had 10 goals and 30 points in 49 games with Seattle last season and has 161 points in 379 NHL regular-season games. His absence creates a top-six vacancy that could be filled by Jordan Eberle, Jani Nyman or younger options such as Berkly Catton. The Kraken are also managing injuries to Jared McCann, Chandler Stephenson and Ryan Lindgren, making Kakko the team's first long-term preseason casualty. He is expected to see a specialist for further evaluation, and his availability for the Oct. 9 season opener remains uncertain as the team manages recovery timelines cautiously.