The experienced winger has embraced his rookie compatriot as Minnesota contends for a playoff position.
Despite Kirill Kaprizov’s already substantial contributions to the Minnesota Wild’s push for the NHL playoffs, the standout winger has taken on an additional role this week.
“Good driver,” explained rookie Marat Khusnutdinov. “Like a free taxi.”
Yet, Kaprizov’s involvement goes beyond chauffeuring, as the Wild have leaned on him to facilitate Marat Khusnutdinov’s adjustment from Russia to the U.S. The 21-year-old center, drafted in the second round in 2020 and recently signed to a two-year entry contract, made his NHL debut in Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Anaheim.
Kaprizov has been assisting with translations during meetings with Khusnutdinov and coach John Hynes, while also spending considerable time with the young center, who had never set foot in the U.S. until his arrival from Moscow the previous Saturday.
On Thursday afternoon, Kaprizov drove his new teammate to the rink and offered some advice before his inaugural NHL game. Khusnutdinov, who played four seasons in the KHL, showcasing his prowess with 22 goals and 53 points in 156 games, seemed a bit nervous, although Kaprizov noted his composure. Kaprizov emphasized the collective effort to support Khusnutdinov both in the locker room and on the ice, highlighting the significance of his NHL debut.
Khusnutdinov logged 11 minutes and 54 seconds of ice time on Thursday, showcasing a solid performance despite not recording any points. He impressed with a 6-for-9 faceoff record and four blocked shots. His transition to the NHL appears faster than Kaprizov’s, who spent five full seasons in the KHL before making his mark in the NHL.
Reflecting on his own journey, Kaprizov acknowledged the language barrier he faced upon arriving in the U.S., contrasting it with Khusnutdinov’s relatively smoother transition. He now finds himself in the role of a translator when needed.
Kaprizov’s successful transition to the NHL, albeit during the shortened COVID-19 impacted 2020-21 season, has been marked by consistent performance. With 148 goals and 308 points in 263 games, he continues to be a pivotal player for the Wild.
In Thursday’s game against the Ducks, Kaprizov scored the go-ahead goal, extending his recent streak of eight goals and 11 points in the past six games, during which the Wild have gone 5-0-1. This surge has narrowed the gap to four points between Minnesota and the final two postseason spots in the Western Conference.
Despite facing challenges earlier in the season due to a severe hamstring injury, Kaprizov’s resilience has shone through. He has become not only a key player on the ice but also a mentor and friend to Khusnutdinov, going beyond the call of duty to assist his fellow teammate’s transition to the NHL.
Coach Hynes praised Kaprizov’s exemplary character, emphasizing his humility, coachability, and camaraderie. Khusnutdinov expressed gratitude for Kaprizov’s guidance, highlighting his admiration for both Kaprizov’s on-ice prowess and off-ice demeanor.