Kirill Kaprizov (Finally) Officially Signs with Minnesota Wild

It has FINALLY happened. Kirill Kaprizov has signed with the Minnesota Wild. Selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft (135th overall), his signing ends months of speculation, frustration, and politicking. He is finally one of us.

Kaprizov Countdown: 0

NEWS: The #mnwild announced the club has signed forward Kirill Kaprizov to a two-year, entry-level contract starting with the 2019-20 season.

Welcome to the #StateOfHockey, @KaprizovKirill! ?

? » https://t.co/skdkSkKPd7 pic.twitter.com/ZhHJgaYWa7

— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) July 13, 2020

Kirill Kaprizov Watch OVER: After 5 years, #mnwild SIGN their tantalizing top prospect

KHL champ, 2-time KHL leading goal scorer, Olympic hero will burn 1st year of deal and report to MN for camp

STORY + CONTRACT DETAILS>>>

(30-day free trial in link)https://t.co/PvYK64BQeC

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 13, 2020

Kaprizov, the highly-touted Russian superstar for the KHL, signed his two-year entry contract with the team Monday. Marking another chapter in the changing of the guard for the Wild.

As we discussed Sunday, Kaprizov will be unable to play in the upcoming qualifying round of the NHL playoffs. But he will be able to travel with the team to Canada and become acclimated with his teammates and the new atmosphere.

Signing Kaprizov this year means the Wild will burn through the first year of his two-year deal. But according to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, he will be unable to sign with any other team in the league once it’s up at the end of the 2020-21 year. So unless he wants to go back to Russia, he will be here for a while!

If Kaprizov burns first year of 2-year deal, he can't sign with any NHL team but #mnwild next summer. No free-agent rights, no offer sheet https://t.co/iPXEd4XF5S

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) July 12, 2020

WELCOME KID

Although not ideal, Wild GM Bill Guerin has continued to remain optimistic about the opportunity to bring him in this summer. Touting that this is the best option to ensure a successful transition for Kaprizov.

“It’s just good that we are able to sign him. We are working through that now. It would be unfortunate that we would have to burn a year, but we are willing to do that with a player like him just to get him in the mix.”

Bill Guerin, Wild GM

This is arguably the team’s biggest signing since the likes of Eric Staal or, dare I say it, Parise and Suter. Primarily due to the will it or won’t it happen aspect of this adventure.

Wild fans can expect to see Kaprizov finally suit up for an official game for the team for the 2020-21 season. Which is slated to start around December 1st.

According to Russo, Kaprizov’s deal is for $925,000 for 2020-21. Including a $92,500 signing bonus which will be paid on the opening day of 2020 free agency in October.

Regardless of when he plays, the wait is finally over and Wild fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

Jack Kewitsch | Minnesota Sports Fan