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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
mnfaninnc replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
Wouldn't he be able to have the guarantees of financial security by keeping the NMC for 4 years, yet, also be able to move on with a 10 team trade list and the possibility of the Wild retaining money? If Kaprizov went to Guerin after 5 more seasons and asked to be sent to a true contender, I think Guerin would oblige especially if it was kept confidential. In reading between the lines in the last paragraph, it sounds like you are one who thinks the cap increases will keep coming such as in the NFL. Is this accurate?- 29 replies
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Catch Up With Hockey Wilderness' Top-11 Prospects Series
Carlton Bloom posted an article in Minnesota Wild
Missed any entries in our recent Top 11 Minnesota Wild Prospects series? Check out what we've written so far! Honorable Mentions: Theodor Hallquisth, Aron Kiviharju, and more No. 11: Carson Lambos Showed Under-the-Radar Growth Last Year No. 10: It's Impossible To Ignore Adam Benák's Ceiling As A Prospect No. 9: Hunter Haight Has Been Everything the Wild Could Have Hoped For No. 8: Charlie Stramel May Hit the Apex Of His Long Develeopment Journey This Season No. 7: Ryder Ritchie Could Form the Minnesota Wild's Next Dynamic Duo No. 6: Riley Heidt Has To Prove His Unique Game Translates To the Pros No. 5: The Wild Must Embrace David Jiříček's Volatility No. 4: The Wild Need To Establish A Role For Liam Öhgren No. 3: Jesper Wallstedt Has Lept Out Of the Frying Pan And Into the Fire No. 2: Coming Wednesday, September 3 No. 1: Coming Friday, September 5 -
Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
Burnt Toast replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
Which leads to this year’s trade deadline. Keep Kap, shoehorn in the best Center available. Money and cap space shouldn’t be an issue this year. Yes a premium of assets would be going the other way, let’s call them “The Expendables.” A decision on timing is going to be important and a lot of things need to go right if this is going to be “the year.” I’m ok with waiting a couple more years for the ELC guys to develop, but I think Wild Management will move quickly and aggressively if someone becomes available.- 29 replies
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
Kato AK replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
And if you are willing to compare and pay KK as a center, then your value to the Wild is based more on marketability and getting people to the game than it is about the product/results on the ice. KK is the best player on the Wild, that is obvious and I won't argue that. But he is not worth the same size contract as McDavid, Matthews, Mac, Barkov, etc. If he gets a contract worth more than 14% of the salary cap, it essentially solidifies that the Wild won't be cup contenders. Centers are far more important to team success and that cap hit would leave the wild searching for an affordable/cheap 1C. Hard to win a cup without a clearcut 1C.- 29 replies
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We have “The Wall” incoming “The Hall”. 6’2” 175 and rising quickly. He’s one of the youngest players to qualify in this year’s draft.
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
MrCheatachu replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
Likes to fish, eh? Nobody better introduce Kaprizov to Byfuglien...- 29 replies
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The best hope is Ohgren. Years down the road, Ryder Ritchie might be the strong shot, but not great on defense forward that best aligns with Peterka--he's years away from that type of production in a MN Wild jersey though. Yurov and Ohgren have lots of offensive potential without being defensive liabilities according to scouting reports. Ritchie might have a higher end shot, but Yurov and Ohgren have better futures as guys who can help in all phases of the game. When Peterka was 20 years old, he was a point per game type of player in the AHL though, and Ohgren was rather close to that type of production, so hopefully he'll take a step at age 21 to produce at least similarly to Peterka at the NHL level. Peterka delivered 32 points in 77 games at age 21(2022-2023). Solid point production from a player getting under 14 minutes per game, but the +/- was not favorable for him in his rookie season.
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
Burnt Toast replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
Jumping off of the “Highest paid player in the N” at 15% of the cap (A. M. Toronto $) KK comes in at $15.6M for the 2026 season. I know KK is not a center but his value to the Wild at this point in their development is critical. He is the cornerstone of the franchise and SC window. If his number comes in at $13M or lower he’s choosing to leave $ on the table.- 29 replies
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
Kato AK replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
That would be market rate for an elite winger. Thats 12.5% of next years salary cap, and both Rantanen and Marner signed for 12.5% of this years cap. In recent memory, the highest cap hit for a winger was Panarin at just over 14% and look how that worked out for NYR.- 29 replies
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That's not exactly what I said. Read more carefully. I said we are about where Florida was when they were getting bounced from the playoffs constantly. Going from that to perennial contender didn't happen overnight and it required younger players to step up and live up to their hype. And once they had that depth, they traded a portion of it to build a more complete team. The Wild are heading in the right direction but they are not there yet.
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Sure wish we had a few more forwards that had a top line ceiling in the prospect list.
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The Minnesota Wild have been building blueline depth. Brock Faber has already established himself as a cornerstone, Zeev Buium is projected to quarterback the power play for the next decade, and David Jiricek brings size and offensive upside. Then there’s Theodor Hallquisth, who's the Wild’s 52nd overall pick in this year’s draft from Örebro HK J20 in the J20 Nationell Swedish hockey league. Hallquisth wasn’t in our Top-11 prospect rankings, but that doesn’t mean he can’t become a meaningful contributor. The Wild may have quietly landed a steady, long-term option to complement their flashier names. The Brodin connection Hallquisth grew up idolizing Jonas Brodin, which was pleasing to hear. Brodin is Minnesota’s defensive anchor, combining elite skating, poise, and positional awareness. Hallquisth doesn’t have Brodin’s wheels or shutdown reputation yet. Still, his defensive instincts, calm puck movement, and ability to angle opponents into perimeter hockey clearly show the influence of Brodin’s style. If development goes well, Hallquisth could one day skate alongside the player he modeled his game after. Hallquisth is a physical, two-way defenseman with a weak shot I evaluated Hallquisth’s game when he played for Team Sweden versus Team USA in the 2024 World Jr. in December 2024. Here's a summary and analysis. Summary 1st period USA scored at 19:24. At 19:27, Hallquisth made his first mistake, leading to the goal. He shouldn’t have gotten so deep around the corner; he should have stayed closer to the slot to block the play with his body or stick. At 18:17, Hallquisth retrieved the puck on a USA dump-in. He banked it off the corner wall and out of the zone, resulting in a breakout at 18:13. At 12:45, he received a pass and carried the puck with speed to the right-wing dot, firing a wrist shot to generate a rebound at 12:42. The shot wasn’t great, but the placement was key. At 5:23, he set up a redirection on goal. At 5:13, he defended a neutral-zone attack but failed to land a hit. Sweden had to defend for over a minute until 4:09. At 2:35, Hallquisth stepped up physically to disrupt the transition, and Sweden successfully got the puck deep. 2nd period At 19:39, Hallquisth turned the puck over with a failed pass in the neutral zone. At 17:54, during a power play, he took a shot off a faceoff win, but it was blocked. At 16:58, he reset under forecheck pressure and made a nice stretch pass for a line change. At 14:46, he landed an open-ice hit, but USA scored on a breakaway at 14:40. At 12:58, he won a battle in the corner. At 12:42, he made a good stretch pass before Sweden turned it over. At 10:19, Sweden went back on the power play, but Hallquisth missed a hit that almost created a shorthanded breakaway. At 7:01, he used his reach to protect the net after a turnover, forcing USA to shoot wide. At 5:07, he shielded a forechecker effectively in a battle that continued until 4:56. At 4:36, he won a board battle to stop possession, leading to a zone exit at 4:29. At 2:22, he knocked down a net-front attacker on the penalty kill. 3rd period At 19:47 and 17:52, he generated wrist shots, but both were saved. At 16:10, he backhanded the puck out of the zone on the penalty kill. I wish he had been faster to the puck, but he still got the clear. At 14:42, he blocked a 2-on-1 pass below the dot, but Sweden quickly turned it over. At 13:35, he deflected a shot in the high slot, preventing a dangerous chance. At 12:13, he generated another shot, but it was an easy save. At 7:20, Sweden’s comeback was short-lived. His partner failed a hip check, leaving Hallquisth to defend a 2-on-1. He tied up his man, but USA scored at 7:13. At 4:14, he made a questionable pass behind the net, leading to another goal against. If he were left-handed, he might have cleared the puck more smoothly. From 2:33 to 2:23, he won another board battle but made another questionable clearing attempt — in today’s NHL, that’s a turnover. At 2:04, he lost his footing, but USA failed to connect on a centering pass. Analysis Hallquisth finished minus-4 but was on the ice for two empty-net goals, so he was minus-2 at even strength. He could have had a perfect game if he had reduced his over-aggression. His physicality is great, but he occasionally loses awareness of his teammates. Three areas for Hallquisth to continue developing Explosiveness: He’s a good skater, but can get caught flat-footed. Shooting: Wrist shots are his calling card, but he can improve at setting up deflections for offense. Puck skills: He’s effective with stretch passes and banking pucks, but not a flashy puck mover. Hallquisth is Brodin’s biggest fan, but plays a heavy style High floor as a third-pairing defenseman, and a low ceiling as a top-pairing defenseman. Jiricek is capable of playing on the top pair, but as a shutdown defenseman. If things go right with Jiricek in Minnesota, Hallquisth will be playing the third pair. Or what if Jiricek continues to struggle in his own end? Hallquisth would end up behind Faber, while Jiricek can play third-pairing minutes. Hallquisth is Brodin’s biggest fan, but plays more like Jake Middleton. He also reminds me of Hampus Lindholm and Gustav Forsling, who have been instrumental to the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. You don’t see Hallquisth in highlight reels. He won’t be a top power play quarterback like Buium, but Guerin doesn't need him for that. Hallquisth is exactly the type of player the Wild needs, which is reliability, physicality, defensive coverage, and the ability to stabilize a pairing. Hallquisth could become a reliable, top-four defensive option, but not a flashy point producer. Because he can play in all situations, Hallquisth may quietly become the glue that holds Minnesota’s future blue line together. For a second-round pick just outside the top-50, that's the type of value a contending team craves.
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
0 Stanley Cups replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
The issue EDM will face sooner rather than later is they will be lacking in solid prospects on ELC's in their pipeline, since teams that go all in year after year deplete their draft picks at the trade deadline. UFA's will still take a discount to play with McDavid to try and win a cup though. The Wild have solid young prospects joining the team this year, but they must re-sign Kaprizov to attract any other top UFA's to want to come here in the future. Whether Kaprizov signs a 2, 3, 5, or 8 year contract doesn't matter to me as long as he re-signs with the Wild.- 29 replies
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
Citizen Strife replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
The issue is, even 2-5 years of Kap in his prime is still better than 90% of players, and which of those top 10% would even willingly sign here? The alternative is a trade for futures and building the team around Boldy and Faber (Faber for sure marketing wise), but Kap is better than both. From a playing perspective, marketing perspective, and morale perspective, Kap being the face if the franchise just is the best option until he flat out says no. I would prefer 8, but 3-5 is the remaining peak years.- 29 replies
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
Scalptrash replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
It all depends on what is more important to him, his name on the cup or lifelong financial security. If he re-signs with the Wild, he can only have the latter. If he were to leave, he could potentially have both. The problem is, and McDavid is contemplating this right now, if the team overspends on one or two players, chances are they can't build a real contender. If Kaprizov re-signs, I'm guessing 2-3 years. A prove it deal with the onus on Wild management. He would also get more money next time, after the large cap increases.- 29 replies
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
mnfaninnc replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
In another national article transcribing Russo and LaPanta, they talked a long time about Kaprizov and his extension. It is said Kaprizov is due back into town significantly after Labor Day. That probably doesn't mean today. What I thought was interesting is that Russo has floated the 8 x $16m or $128m offer. They focused completely on the money, but the further along that the conversation went, it seemed to me that the panic button was being hit. (how is it that there is no emoji for a panic button?) They then started talking about term and what if Kaprizov doesn't want to commit to the 8 years. Maybe 5, maybe 3, what if he wants to see just how well this 5 year plan is going to work out before he's all in? Of course, that would be betting on himself in this scenario. Yet, this betting on himself also assumes he will be healthy and that would be the biggest question mark. Russo and LaPanta ended up talking about a scenario that has the Wild looking to trade him if he isn't willing to sign. But, the sticking point is Marian Gaborik, and how in his final year he was injured at about the beginning of the year which decimated any trade value. This does not linger in my mind, but does this linger in anyone else's mind? Does this add to a fans anxiety over getting it done quickly? Does the anxiety cause someone to think they need to add another Brinks truck to the offers? To me, it seems pretty clear. Kaprizov will deal with this when he gets back into town, and if it is a big signing, the Wild would want him there for a public appearance, and pictures of a smiling face on Kaprizov. If Kaprizov does sign 8 x $boatload, it would seem to me that if he's feeling iffy about the 8, that he would have a 10 team trade list on the back half of that deal, NMC through the 1st 4 years. He gets paid enough money to live like a king the rest of his life and still has an off ramp if the Shootah plan goes awry.- 29 replies
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
mnfaninnc replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
What if Kaprizov only wants to commit to a 5 year deal, or a 3 year deal? Then what?- 29 replies
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Before last season he was seen as any easy Starter #1 goalie in the league. Now he's being written off. I hope he's able to really bounce back and become that future #1 Goalie he was projected to be when drafted.
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I read a national rumors site that was transcribing Russo and LaPanta. They are suggesting that $5.5-$6.5m is the going rate for a starting goaltender. Their thinking was that if you get ahead of it (I assume this is a contract extension) and you get a team friendly deal in this neighborhood, that could benefit the team. But, what then do you to with The Wall, they asked, if he plays well? The Wall makes $2.2m for the next 2 seasons. He could easily be bridged after that, and if he stays the backup, he wouldn't be too expensive. The thing I think is best is if you resign Goose in the range above, maybe the lower part of that range and don't give him a designation. If The Wall gets to where I think he can get to, and be a premier #1 (top 8), then maybe you have to trade out Goose. However, the odds of The Wall becoming that in the next 3 seasons is low. I think both would make a very good battery to have and if you can get Goose under $6m (I've said $5m before, but I do believe there is some capflation I have not accounted for) I think you can run the 2 of them out there under $10m for a few years. 2 very solid 'tenders can be very good come playoff time. They would be fresh too. I would think a bridge for The Wall comes in somewhere around where Goose is now, maybe $4m with capflation. With a cap number at $113.5m for the team, I would think keeping the goaltending number under $10m would be a win, and that's how far down the road we're looking.
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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!
MacGyver replied to Mikki Tuohy's topic in Minnesota Wild Talk
I always wondered where that take came from as well. By his own admission he says he spends most of his time in his apartment playing video games. If he's out on the lakes or trails he's doing a good job of being disguised. I think this guy is about one thing and one things only. Hockey. And that means a Stanley Cup sooner rather than later.- 29 replies
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Wallstedt needs to play well when he gets his shot. For the organization, the fans, and for Wallstedt he needs to play well as a backup and push Gus out of the net. The reason is if he doesn't play well the Wild will be forced to extend Gus to some ridiculous contract that would financially hamper the team. Of the top 10 highest paid goalies in the league only 2 have won Stanley Cups. There is no need to spend 7 million plus on a goalie in this league.
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