Kraken’s Nikke Kokko Showing Growth & Personality at Rookie Camp – The Hockey Writers – Seattle Kraken

Nikke Kokko has already gotten a taste of the NHL in four games over the past two seasons. The Seattle Kraken goaltending prospect made his NHL debut during the 2024-25 season, playing in just one game. During the 2025-26 season, he appeared in three games while spending most of the year with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Now, as Seattle’s rookie camp gets underway, Kokko is looking to build on that experience and continue moving closer to making his dream of being an NHL regular a reality.

“That’s what is my dream someday,” Kokko said. “If I get some games, I take everything.”

Kokko has already seen firsthand what it takes to get to the NHL. His focus now is on making sure he is better prepared the next time the opportunity comes.

Kokko Taking Steps Forward

The 23-year-old spent another summer working on his physical development, believing the work he put in will help him become a quicker and stronger goaltender. “I do a lot of workouts,” Kokko said. “I think I’m better, faster, stronger. That helps; I think I can move quicker.”

For Kokko, that work has included plenty of squats, something he hopes will translate directly to his movement in the crease. While physical development is only one piece of becoming an NHL goaltender, Firebirds head coach Derek Laxdal has seen significant progress from Kokko over the past season in Coachella Valley.

“Huge steps,” Laxdal said. Goaltenders, Laxdal noted, often take longer to develop than players at other positions. Kokko’s progression with the Firebirds, however, has been noticeable.

In his first season with Coachella Valley, Kokko stepped into a larger role after an injury to the team’s No. 1 goaltender. Last season, he continued to see more opportunities, carrying that experience through the regular season and into the playoffs.

At the end of it, Laxdal sees a goaltender with a bright future in Seattle’s system. “Again, another prospect, bright future for the Seattle Kraken in the net department,” Laxdal said.

Don’t Take Away What Makes Kokko Different

But Kokko’s development isn’t only about what he does in the crease. Spend any amount of time around him, and it’s clear that he isn’t exactly the stereotypical quiet, reserved goaltender. Kokko is outgoing, energetic and seemingly happy to talk to just about anyone.

Laxdal said that’s part of what makes him unique. “He really embraces, like, he has a joy for life,” Laxdal said. “Not only does he love playing, he just loves being around people.” The personality that Kokko displays makes him stand out in a position where players are often known for keeping to themselves as much as possible.

“He just kind of brings in energy that, you know, a lot of goaltenders like to stay in their lane,” Laxdal said. “He has no problem going outside the lane and just bringing a lot of energy.” There is still a balance to find. Laxdal acknowledged that Kokko may occasionally need to rein that personality in, particularly when it comes to the demands of playing goal at a high level.

He noted that he has no interest in taking that part of Kokko away, though. “That’s the strength of who he is and how he plays the game,” Laxdal said. “We don’t want to kill it. We want to embrace it. We want to nurture it a little bit.”

That confidence and openness are something Laxdal believes is important to Kokko’s overall development. “You just love having the conversations with him because he’s just so bubbly, and he’s not afraid to speak his mind.”

One More Goal for Kokko

Kokko’s personality was on full display when the conversation turned to one of his favorite subjects: scoring a goal. Last season, the goaltender tried to find the back of the net himself, and he’s apparently not giving up on the idea anytime soon. “I think this season is the season when I score the first goal,” Kokko said.

If Kokko’s development continues on its current trajectory, the bigger goal is clear, not just for him but for everyone watching him—establish himself as an NHL goaltender and turn the brief opportunities with Seattle into something more permanent.

For now, though, rookie camp provides another opportunity to take another step toward that goal. If all goes well, that will include a goalie goal.