The talk from Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leopold centers on Kirill Kaprizov’s impact in the team’s ongoing strategy, especially his role in extending the contract with Mats Zuccarello. Leopold’s remarks were shared through the team’s communications channel, highlighting the behind‑the‑scenes influence Kaprizov has on the Wild’s core leadership group.
Leopold noted that the pair’s rapport matters. He described their chemistry as unusually strong, with a work ethic and a mutual trust that makes the line a centerpiece of Minnesota’s aggression and creativity on the ice. He added that, if asked honestly, he would point to that connection as a significant reason why the team values having both players together, believing their synergy elevates performance and locker room dynamics alike.
Looking back at last season’s postseason, the Wild faced the Dallas Stars in the first round. The series outcome was a 2–4 defeat for Minnesota, ending their playoff run prematurely. Kaprizov played in all six games of the series but managed just a single goal, underscoring the challenge of breaking through a tightly contested Dallas defense during those six contests.
Over the course of the regular season, Kaprizov appeared in 67 games for Minnesota, tallying 40 goals and 35 assists. This scoring pace reinforced his status as a leading contributor for the Wild, even as injuries briefly interrupted his momentum. His production placed him among the league’s most dynamic Russian forwards, aligning his career trajectory with other noted Russian stars who have consistently propelled their teams with high-end offense.
Earlier in the season, Kaprizov’s two-goal performance helped Minnesota secure a win against Colorado, a victory that underscored his ability to influence games against top competition. Those moments contributed to a narrative about Kaprizov’s growth and his evolving comfort level within the Wild system, as he continued to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NHL at a high level.