Minnesota Wild coach Dean Evason said Kirill Kaprizov was fine after taking a shot off his skate Sunday, but his absence from practice Monday morning raised a tiny bit of concern before Evason reiterated to reporters that his young superstar is OK.
Evason says Kaprizov is fine. No issues. Just didn’t need to skate today after taking the shot yesterday
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 26, 2022
Kaprizov, who had a goal and an assist in Minnesota’s 3-2 overtime win over Colorado in the preseason opener, took a Freddie Gaudreau shot off his ankle/foot. According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, Kaprizov didn’t want to leave the game but the Wild forced him to stop playing as a precaution.
Raise your hand if you missed this âś‹ #mnwild pic.twitter.com/BXydqtwEdN
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) September 25, 2022
Without Kaprizov in the three-on-three overtime, the Wild gave rookie Marco Rossi, the 21-year-old who was the ninth overall pick in the 2020 draft, a chance and he dazzled on the game-winning assist to Ryan Hartman.
How's it going Hartzy? Nice to be back đź‘Ť#mnwild pic.twitter.com/7tWWcwxkl6
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) September 25, 2022
“Clearly, just a tremendous pass. That’s what he does,” said Evason. He looked and/or played like he belongs.”
“I’m more ready,” Rossi said. “I just try to prove to everyone that I belong here.”
The Wild have six more preseason game to go and Evason said it’s a good bet that Rossi will play in at least three more, while veteran players and stars like Kaprizov probably won’t play in more than three games.
The regular season begins Oct. 13 when the Wild host the New York Rangers.
Related: All eyes on Boldy, Rossi at Wild training camp
