Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov tried to tell the media that he had, “no cool skill” when asked last month if he would break out any new moves during his first All-Star Game appearance.
It was a lie and he fessed up after a short pause.
“I don’t know, maybe,” Kaprizov said.
Wild fans know there’s no maybe about it.
Be it during a game, —or even practice —the second-year forward has put together an impressive highlight reel of his on-ice ability during his short NHL career.
sooo... Kirill did "The Michigan" at outdoor practice...
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 4, 2022
Must. Watch. 🤩#mnwild pic.twitter.com/sx9c2DXkb8
The Wild’s star could really shine this weekend among the league’s stars.
The 24-year-old forward, along with teammate Cam Talbot, was selected to the Central Division squad for Saturday’s All-Star Game at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Both players will also be part of Friday’s Skill Challenges.
Kaprizov will take part in the adidas Breakaway Challenge, and Talbot is one of eight competitors in the Dunkin’ NHL Save Streak.
Kaprizov’s skills were as good as advertised as the fifth-round selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft earned the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
It has continued this season. After a slow offensive start to the year, he has caught fire. Kaprizov enters the break with 19 goals and 53 points in 40 games (1.33 points per game).
He also became the fastest player in the franchise’s history to record 100 career points this season, accomplishing the feat in just 92 games.
This weekend he will be involved in one of the league’s spotlight games of the season.
“I just think the whole experience is going to be amazing,” Kaprizov said though his interpreter in a media availability session earlier this week. “High-level hockey, very skilled hockey. It’s going to be very fun and exciting to play.. Overall just excited about the whole experience. Everything is going to be pretty awesome..”
The ice isn’t the only place where Kaprizov has shined with the Wild. He has appeared in a number of features and also promotional skits which has showed his personality.
Hartzy just wants some coffee...
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 28, 2022
Not Weird. Wild. pic.twitter.com/ufurqVSRn5
Kaprizov’s popularity in Minnesota is undeniable. Just take a look at the jersey that people sport at the Xcel Energy Center and his is the clear majority.
Another Russian product had the most popular jersey slaes overall in 2021, and with good reason. Kaprizov did not crack the Top Ten in that list but that could change in time.
The biggest stars in the NHL will be display for all hockey fans over the next two days in Las Vegas.
Perhaps Kaprizov will shine the brightest among them by the end of the weekend.