Minnesota Wild's Fortunes Changed With Kirill Kaprizov Pick in 2015 – Hockey Writers –

What do Armand Berzins, Jean-Claude Sawyer, Tanner Faith, and Kirill Kaprizov have in common? All could be fifth-round draft picks of the Minnesota Wild. Kaprizov is one of five Wild players ever to play in the NHL drafted in the fifth round. The others are Cody Almond, Carson Soucy, Maxim Sushinsky and Nick Seeler.

Name one other franchise player in the entire NHL that was taken after Kaprizov. Arguably a top ten talent in the entire league, Kaprizov himself would admit to being a late player. He got off to a slow start in his Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) career, accumulating 35 points in 84 games. Over the next four seasons, he was on fire with 195 points in 207 games and was a five-time KHL All-Star.

Originally, in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, the Wild were going to take the Russian in the second round, but something else happened. Another former Wild player was available at the time.

“We actually thought (Jordan) Greenway would go late in the first or early in the second. So, when he slipped to us at the age of 50, we took him. But if Greenway was gone, we probably would have taken Kaprizov in the second round, believe it or not,” former Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher said on Sportsnet's 32 Thoughts the Podcast.

At that time, and to this day, some general managers and teams avoided the Russians because of their KHL contract status or concerns that they wanted to come to North America.

“There was some concern about the Russian aspect. “Some concerns about size and swing combination, but we had a second-round grade for him,” Fletcher said.

Two other standout non-differences were picked in the fifth round. Alexander Mogilny had 1,032 points in 990 games. 2015 Art Ross Trophy winner Jamie Benn, who enters the season as captain of the Dallas Stars, has 907 points in 1,112 games. Looking at it, there is a 0.7% chance of drafting someone in the fifth round with 500 points and a 0.1% chance of dropping someone with 1,000 points. Kaprizov has 330 points in 278 NHL games.

Kaprizov Breaks Single Season Records

Plain and simple, Kaprizov is the biggest offensive threat in the Wild's 24-year history, and it's not even close. In four seasons, he has more 40-goal seasons (three) than anyone else combined. Before No. 97 had two players score 40 goals: Marian Gaborik in 2007-08 and Eric Staal in 2017-18.

In 2021-22, Kaprizov set single-season records for assists and points while tying the game-winning goal and scoring streak.

“I don't know what his ceiling is…but it's high,” said current Wild general manager Bill Guerin.

It is fair to say that he is Mr. Everything.

“He really tried to put this team on his back and carry it, like, 'You know what guys? I got it. Follow me.' He has become a long-term leader in our team.”

Kaprizov Scores With Who

The biggest surprise for Kaprizov is that he can play with anyone in the top six and still put up unbroken points. In the past, he has played exclusively with Ryan Hartman and Mats Zuccarello and everyone has had years of work. Last season, he was on the line with rookie Marco Rossi, points were not yet a problem. Towards the end of the season when the team was desperate, they loaded the line with Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy and that line was dominant.

With that feature of being able to play with anyone, the team can build a second line, maybe even a third line, and not have to worry about the top line.

What's next in Kaprizov?

“Kirill the Thrill” will be more than willing to get the Wild back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He has two years left on his next contract. At that point he will be an unrestricted free agent, but that being said, the Wild will do anything in their power to keep him.

“I don't turn off the panic button or start drowning in what's happening right now,” said Guerin. “There are two years left for Kirill to be a free agent. They are what they are; contracts are what they are, and we just have to be ready when the time comes.”

The 5-foot-10, 202-pounder wants to be a better player when the playoffs begin. Like other minor leaguers, his numbers drop when the playoffs begin.

Can he deliver what the Wild never had? The Stanley Cup to the State of Hockey.