Kirill Kaprizov’s Move To The NHL In Turmoil?

The Minnesota Wild have long been anticipating the arrival of top prospect Kirill Kaprizov from CSKA Moscow of the KHL. The Wild have endured many years of frustration having been knocked out in the first round of the playoffs in each of their last three postseason appearances and even failing to qualify during the 2018/19 season. Despite all this, the prospect of the arrival of  Russian Top Dog Kaprizov was enough to renew the hope of the Wild faithful. Kaprizov was the number one target for the Wild organisation heading into the off-season, With his contract expiring and his decision to take a step back from his agent, the signing of his Entry Level Contract seemed imminent. The Minnesota Wild were dealt a massive blow when the NHL revealed their plan to complete the 2019/20 season. The NHL ruled that the Wild, among other teams, cannot sign players in their systems to new entry-level contracts and have them eligible for the postseason. Should Kaprizov opt to sign with the Wild at this very moment , it would result in the young prodigy having to sit out until the 2020/21 season which is rumoured to kick off towards the tail-end of 2020. It would prove to be illogical for a young Russian to spend four months on the sidelines, Squad integration is vital for young European prospects attempting to adapt to the North American game and a player of Kaprizov’s calibre cannot afford to sacrifice match fitness. Per Pavel Lysenkov , the Wild prospect will return to Mosckow for the upcoming season. Lysenkov reports that there is a “95 percent” chance of Kaprizov returning to CSKA Moscow for the 2020-21 KHL season, which is slated to begin in September.

Kaprizov staying in Russia for yet another season would be a massive blow to the entire Wild organisation. The 23 year old sensation is just off the back of yet another fantastic season for the Russian Giants having led the entire league in goals scored for the second consecutive year. Under ordinary circumstances he would have been expected to lead Moskow to their second straight Gagarin Cup. Unfortunately the KHL playoffs were cancelled due to these unprecedented times.

What Would Kirill Kaprizov Bring To Minnesota ?

The Better question is what won't he bring to the Wild. Minnesota hasn't had that electric superstar since Marián Gaborik, there is no doubt in my mind that Kaprizov will be that superstar. He’s an emphatic offensive dynamo who radiates creativity. A ‘Jack of All Trades’, Kaprizov has an answer to every scenario thrown at him. He can skate like the wind and despite his smaller 5’10” 203 lbs frame he generates an immense amount of power from his first few strides. He possesses an innate ability to keep the puck under control in the tightest of spaces. He appears unphased by overloaded defensive structures and challenges himself to exploit any weaknesses he can find. He has a profound arsenal of shots at his display. He finds ways to generate immense levels of power from wrist shots from the most challenging positions. He adopts a relatively straight stick while shooting to optimise precision. Many compare his scoring ability to that of Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. I see this as a major stretch, while they both possess similar shooting styles , Kaprizov lacks that killer instinct that can only be found in an 8 time 50 goal scorer ! There has always been that negative stigma surrounding European prospects attempting to adapt their playmaking abilities to the Smaller North American rinks, Kaprizov  tends to create opportunities either on the rush or working around the net, a style that will allow him to find success at the NHL level much better than someone who tends to create chances in the spacious perimeters in Europe.

What Would The 2020/21 Season Look Like Without Kaprizov From Minnesota’s Perspective ?

The Wild appear to be in for yet another dull showing for the upcoming season if they can’t fill the void left by Kaprizov, although it's hard to find a replacement for someone who was never really there. There may be some light at the end of the tunnel for the Wild faithful as the 2019/20 season really shone light on the abundance of youngsters in the organisation who may be able to capitalise from Kaprizov’s absence. Kevin Fiala  had a breakout season for Minnesota after an underwhelming introduction to the Wild at the end of the 2018-19 season. From seven points in 19 games last season, Fiala turned it around to lead Minnesota in scoring with 54 points in 64 games this season. Kaprizov’s absence could open the door for another 2018/19 mid season acquisition who unlike Fiala , struggled in his first full season with the Wild. This player is of course Ryan Donato. Despite the odd glimpse of brilliance . Donato’s 2019/20 season was an amalgamation of lacklustre performances, his 14 goals and 23 points solidified his drop in the Wild’s priority list and resulted in the teams 3rd lowest TOI average of 10:25 minutes per game. Should the Wild propel the forward into a top-six scoring role next season he could really solidify himself as a deserving NHL game changing winger. With Kaprizov looking at yet another season away from the Wild, many will be looking for an elevated role in light of his absence.

By Ruairí Navin