Rangers get Kakko back after 31-game absence

Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko is in the lineup against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant confirmed, according to The New York Post's Mollie Walker.

Kakko last played Jan. 21. He missed the previous 31 games with an upper-body ailment. Gallant said in February that the issue had been bothering Kakko for a week or two prior to his extended absence.

The 21-year-old came into Saturday's contest with five goals and nine assists in 37 games this season. New York selected Kakko with the second overall pick in the 2019 draft.

Forward Kevin Rooney is also returning Saturday for the Rangers. He missed the last 18 contests with an upper-body issue.

New York is sitting pretty in second place of the Metropolitan Division with a 46-20-6 record entering Saturday's tilt.

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