Kakko expected to play despite immune-system concerns

The New York Rangers expect rookie forward Kaapo Kakko will be safe to play in the club's potential play-in series despite Type 1 diabetes making his immune system more prone to serious coronavirus complications.

"He's been tested, he's good. As of right now we look to have him in the lineup," Rangers president John Davidson said, according to NHL.com's Dan Rosen.

"We think it's safe as long as he follows the protocol and we all do too," Davidson added. "We understand the whole thing from A to Z. It's been studied by our doctors in many different forms. If there is a change that comes along and they say we don't think he should play, he's not playing. But if they give us the green light and he himself - it's his decision, remember - wants to play and he talks to his family, he's playing."

The 11th-seeded Rangers qualified for a best-of-five play-in series against the Carolina Hurricanes as part of the NHL's expanded playoff format, though it's unclear when that may occur.

The league aims to begin games in late July or early August, with training camps opening July 10. However, hub cities that can host the teams and games are yet to be determined, and COVID-19 remains a concern in much of North America.

The Rangers drafted Kakko second overall last summer. The 19-year-old didn't live up to the hype during his rookie season, registering 10 goals and 13 assists in 66 contests.