Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leopold said that Russian forward Kirill Kaprizov was instrumental in extending the contract with forward Mats Zuccarello. Leopold’s words are quoted press service “Minesota”.
“Their relationship played a role. Their chemistry is so good that they work hard for it and trust each other. I’d be honest if I didn’t tell you that’s a big part of why he’s so important to our team. There is a great understanding between him and Kaprizov and we wanted these guys to be together,” Leopold said.
In the National Hockey League play-offs last season, Minnesota lost to the Dallas Stars in the 1/8 finals, 2:4. Kaprizov appeared in all six matches of the series and scored only one goal.
In total, the Russian forward played in 67 games for Minnesota during the NHL regular season, scoring 40 goals and making 35 assists. Ovechkin became the fifth most productive Russian after Malkin, Panarin and Kucherov. Kaprizov missed nearly a month due to injury.
Previously Kaprizov had two goals helped Minnesota beat Colorado.