Minnesota Wild General Discussion 2024-25

Webster

Zucc's buddy
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I'm sure he means only if Zucc goes too

I believe Zuccarello will advise him to re-sign with the Wild, and Kaprizov actually listens to him. I think some fans don't understand the close friendship between those two, they're like brothers.

Zuccarello is a big part of Kaprizov's success, because of things that happened off the ice. Kaprizov arrived here in the middle of the pandemic, and spoke very little English. He really struggled to settle in, Zucc noticed this and took him under his wings. He helped him with everything from finding a place to stay, to buying groceries. Zucc also taught him how to become a pro in the NHL, with everything that goes with it off the ice.

Kaprizov is forever grateful for this, and said they will remain close friends for life.

I don't think money will be an issue for Kaprizov, but he wants to win, he wants to win the Stanley Cup. Based on the prospect pool including more promising Russians, and Wild's chances to become a cup contender in the future, things are looking really good. Kaprizov has a chance to become Captain and lead this team to a Cup, something he may not want to leave behind.

His English is also getting really good, I think he's been working on it this summer. He's not afraid to face the media without a translator anymore, his interview a few days ago impressed me.

 

AKL

Danila Yurov Fan Club President
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Have been saying Chicago would be a good fit for him for a while now. Wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if he ends up there.
 

f7ben

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Kap to the hawks would be the most MN thing that could possibly happen, so basically book it
 

57special

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Normally I get peeved when BG re-signs a guy really early, but in Kap's case I hope he goes all out next summer. If he can't get it done, then he has to deal him ASAP.
 

Dr Jan Itor

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Dec 10, 2009
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With the cap increasing is Minnesota going to pay Kaprizov $12 million?
Next summer, the cap is projected ~$92M.

Draisaitl just signed for 15.9% of the cap which would be $14,6M, but Draisaitl probably isn't Kaprizov's best comp because he's a center and has put up much better numbers more recently. Though, with all of the leverage, Kaprizov could just say he wants that or better.

Rantanen and Marner signing should tell us quite a bit more.

Personally, I have $13M as the minimum (essentially just giving him Zuccarello's contract when it's done), unless he either really likes it here and/or wants to give us a gift.
 

AKL

Danila Yurov Fan Club President
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It would be so BG to rush contracts to players like Foligno, Zucc, and Hartman only to drag his feet with Kap.

Guerin seems to like locking guys up as soon as he can (if he likes the guys, that is). I think he's going to try the same with Kaprizov. It was in Foligno and Zuccarello's best interest especially to accept those deals. I'm not sure it's in Kaprizov's best interest to accept right away unless the money being offered is grossly above expected market value.

I think if it drags on, it's because of Kaprizov, not Guerin.
 

Dr Jan Itor

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Guerin seems to like locking guys up as soon as he can (if he likes the guys, that is). I think he's going to try the same with Kaprizov. It was in Foligno and Zuccarello's best interest especially to accept those deals. I'm not sure it's in Kaprizov's best interest to accept right away unless the money being offered is grossly above expected market value.

I think if it drags on, it's because of Kaprizov, not Guerin.
Do we consider a failure if Kaprizov plays even 1 shift of the 2025-26 season without an extension in place?
 

AKL

Danila Yurov Fan Club President
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Do we consider a failure if Kaprizov plays even 1 shift of the 2025-26 season without an extension in place?

Not a failure because Kaprizov gets to decide what he signs or not, it's only a failure if they don't trade him by the deadline.
 

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