"Goddamn soap opera every week": Paul Bissonnette gives blunt take on Kaapo Kakko's frustrated scratch comment

The New York Rangers have been struggling, losing 11 of their last 14 games. Forward Kaapo Kakko expressed frustration after being a healthy scratch during the team’s 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Monday, saying he felt unfairly singled out:

“I know we’re losing games, but I think it’s just easy to take the young guy and put him out. That’s how I feel.”

One statement from Kakko was shared on X, in which he said his play hasn’t been great but argued he wasn’t the team’s worst performer:

"Haven't been on the ice too much when opponents score a goal. I have not been the worst guy, but that was me out of the lineup."

Kakko pointed to the strong performance of his usual line with Filip Chytil and Will Cuylle this season. Despite their success, he was the one benched, which surprised him.

Paul Bissonnette shared his thoughts on the situation, responding to a Spittin' Chiclets tweet about Kakko’s comments. On Tuesday, he wrote:

“Kaapo Kakko confusion now??? This is a goddamn soap opera every week. The Rangers & Sabres are battling it out for headline hog status. Who’s the king of New York hockey headlines??? #NYR.”

The Rangers have not met their early season expectations as mid-season nears. They currently have a 15-15-1 record and are placed 6th in the Metropolitan Division. This disappointment comes after they won the President's Trophy with the most points last season.

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Rangers coach on Kaapo Kakko's healthy scratch

Rangers coach Peter Laviolette previously defended his decision, saying hard choices are necessary during difficult stretches. Laviolette noted that veterans like Reilly Smith and Jimmy Vesey have also been scratched recently.

"There's been older players that have sat out, as well," said Laviolette, per Lohud, "The decisions that I make, they're tough decisions. Our team, Kaapo – we need to play better."

However, he did not give a detailed explanation about why Kaapo Kakko was pulled.

"I’ll keep those messages between him and I," Laviolette said, per Lohud. "But I think it’s okay to be frustrated. It’s okay to be upset."

This isn’t the first time Kakko has been scratched. He was also benched during last season’s Eastern Conference Final. Kakko rejoined the lineup for the Rangers’ game against the Nashville Predators. But they lost in a 2-0 shutout, with Kakko recording three shots on goal in 10:14 minutes of ice time.

Kaapo Kakko has scored 14 points in 30 games this season. He has four goals and 10 assists with a plus-minus of nine and 14 penalty minutes.