One of the Wild’s top prospects is still putting up dazzling numbers in the KHL.
Kirill Kaprizov, a fifth-round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft by Minnesota has a team-leading 28 points (13 goals and 15 assists) in 23 games this season for CSKA Moscow. His 28 points are also the seventh most in the league.
Diehard Wild fans probably aren’t surprised to hear about Kaprizov. He captained Team Russia at the World Juniors Tournament last year. Plus, he looks to have the tools to be a superstar and has been playing in the KHL since he was 16.
The problem is, the KHL has no affiliation with the NHL and it can be tough to get players to negotiate terms of coming overseas.
To put in to context how difficult it is, the Wild have yet to even physically meet the 20-year-old prospect. During the World Juniors, Team Russia wouldn’t even allow the Wild to meet with him.
Instead, they were only allowed to meet with his agent and his girlfriend, according to Wild reporter Michael Russo.
Kaprizov signed a three-year deal with the KHL in August. Now, he can be bought out of his contract, but again, that can only happen if Russia allows a negotiation to take place.
So unfortunately, the Wild can do nothing but hope and wait for that time to come.
