"Go sell ice cream!"
Joined: Jun. 2015
Posts: 3,206
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Kakko is as good defensively, but that's where the similarities end. Nichushkin is a very good, borderline elite, mobility skater whereas Kakko is not and is arguably well below average. Neither are great shooters, but Nichushkin is much better at creating a high volume of shot rates and is a better puck handler and playmaker. Also has better size and is a better puck battler. Kakko isn't going to develop more size and speed at his age. He might refine some of his other offensive skills, but he's a bust so far. 3rd line wingers are a dime a dozen so if that is all he ends up being, that's a bad #2 overall pick.