Article: The Wild Are Making A Powerful Statement By Giving Kaprizov the 'A'

[Tony Abbott]

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[vonlonster67]

I believe our core and our locker room presence for each individual player is not about what's on your chest in a letter. There are many who are deemed informal leaders and those that lead by example. This is truly a value and while it is important to have a leadership group, these guys are obviously in it all together in this culture, no matter who wears the letter.

KK is never about himself and it was evident he is happy to represent his team with an "A". Did he have to have a letter, I don't believe it mattered to him. Will he represent if asked, he'll do anything for his team. Watching his presser, which he was able to discuss his reactions and expectations, he made sure to clarify anything he didn't understand using his interpreter.

This is a win, win, as KK has now been given more responsibility and with his lead by example way, he'll interject himself more which will lead to a well rounded player for the Wild. He noted that the officials would never talk to him before, now he has an opportunity to be the spokesman on the ice.

If his nonverbal actions are anything like his verbal, we're gonna get our money's worth. Will it help to keep him here in the end? I would say it is more about a fair value contract, compete on the team, depth and talent on this team and not about any letter, but it will help in his investment.

Our leadership core of Spurgeon, Foligno and Kaprizov is sure to turn over again with Spurgeon and Foligno. I would love to see Kaprizov become "C" when Spurgeon is done, and Ek replace KK's "A" or Moose, and Faber pull the other "A" with the transition.

[Imyourhuckleberry]

I don't like the delayed start for the Wild, playing on the 3rd night of the season. Seems kind of ridiculous that Chicago will have 2 games played before several teams have their first.

I do like Kaprizov getting the A, though I certainly would have been fine with JEE.  Eriksson Ek was the next choice apparently since he will be wearing the A while Spurgeon is out of the lineup.

[Wild4Ever]

We all knew Kappy would be getting the A, and well deserved. Until Ek learns to deal with the constant facewashes he gets from opponents, let's put that 'A' on hold.

[mnfaninnc]

Do the players believe in the symbolism? I think many of them do.

Had Kaprizov been wearing an A in last year's playoffs, does anyone think that the constant crosschecks to the back would have been met with more fury? Maybe not with the group from last year, but I do think this year Maroon will make a difference. 

I'm not sure, though, that it will take an A for Maroon to insert himself. Just by being the best player, I'd think Maroon will go after just about anyone to protect him. I would hope that it is just not Maroon who goes after a guy, though. 

In the preseason, we saw Dewar go after Johnson (Chicago) after Dewar legally checked him. Johnson didn't like it after running around hitting anything that moved earlier. Dewar took him on in what looked like giving up about 4" and 20 lbs. 

When Moose goes hard into the corners, he does this not only as Moose, but with that A as part of the leadership of the team. Landeskog would do the same thing when leading the Avs and stapling Spurgeon to the corner boards. I do think it matters to the players, and anyone who wants to challenge a lettered individual knows the rest of that team is coming after him. 

I do worry about Kaprizov talking to the officials, and am not sure, yet, that his control of English is good enough to express himself. But, his play has gained the respect of referees around the league, so perhaps they will be patient. 

Now, where does this fit in big picture? We have 3 guys who have a chance to come over from the K (I've included Firstov who is progressing pretty well). I have no idea how their English is either, but as an A, Kaprizov can help communicate to them what needs to be done. It may be subtle, but it appears as if the Wild are preparing for the influx of the Russians.

[vonlonster67]

7 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

Do the players believe in the symbolism? I think many of them do.

Had Kaprizov been wearing an A in last year's playoffs, does anyone think that the constant crosschecks to the back would have been met with more fury? Maybe not with the group from last year, but I do think this year Maroon will make a difference. 

I'm not sure, though, that it will take an A for Maroon to insert himself. Just by being the best player, I'd think Maroon will go after just about anyone to protect him. I would hope that it is just not Maroon who goes after a guy, though. 

In the preseason, we saw Dewar go after Johnson (Chicago) after Dewar legally checked him. Johnson didn't like it after running around hitting anything that moved earlier. Dewar took him on in what looked like giving up about 4" and 20 lbs. 

When Moose goes hard into the corners, he does this not only as Moose, but with that A as part of the leadership of the team. Landeskog would do the same thing when leading the Avs and stapling Spurgeon to the corner boards. I do think it matters to the players, and anyone who wants to challenge a lettered individual knows the rest of that team is coming after him. 

I do worry about Kaprizov talking to the officials, and am not sure, yet, that his control of English is good enough to express himself. But, his play has gained the respect of referees around the league, so perhaps they will be patient. 

Now, where does this fit in big picture? We have 3 guys who have a chance to come over from the K (I've included Firstov who is progressing pretty well). I have no idea how their English is either, but as an A, Kaprizov can help communicate to them what needs to be done. It may be subtle, but it appears as if the Wild are preparing for the influx of the Russians.

Maroon = PAPPA MOOSE 

[Tony Abbott]

2 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

Had Kaprizov been wearing an A in last year's playoffs, does anyone think that the constant crosschecks to the back would have been met with more fury? Maybe not with the group from last year, but I do think this year Maroon will make a difference. 

Just like Reaves was last year just like Deslauriers was gonna the year before. 

[vonlonster67]

24 minutes ago, Tony Abbott said:

Just like Reaves was last year just like Deslauriers was gonna the year before. 

Reaves was all about the TALK n SHOW, nothing more to get his mug on TNT and secure his next gig when everyone figures out he's not needed anymore. At least DeLo had an excuse as he was injured and mixed it up plenty before that blood/guts...

Maroon is a winner and a repeat Cup winner, he is the complete package, can actually be a threat at net front, takes no shit, doesn't let anything linger or get misunderstood, he deals with it NOW. Complete different class of player than the clowns in Reaves and oft injured DeLo.

[Tony Abbott]

Let's see how we think about this in a year, eh? Fool me twice... well, you're not gonna fool me again.

[Up North Guy]

5 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

We have 3 guys who have a chance to come over from the K (I've included Firstov who is progressing pretty well). I have no idea how their English is either, but as an A, Kaprizov can help communicate to them

I am pretty sure that Yurov was speaking English pretty well at development camp. Dino, I have no idea. And Fistov was going to school here in the states was he not?

[Up North Guy]

Just now, Up North Guy said:

Fistov

Firstov,,,,,, dang auto

[vonlonster67]

1 hour ago, Up North Guy said:

I am pretty sure that Yurov was speaking English pretty well at development camp. Dino, I have no idea. And Fistov was going to school here in the states was he not?

Yes, he spent 3 years at UConn before he left for the Wild at the end of his junior season in 21-22 for a handful of games.

One game last year before he left for Russia KHL. Torpedo on loan from Wild. I believe he played in Russia before UConn as a teen.

[Luke Sims]

19 hours ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

I don't like the delayed start for the Wild, playing on the 3rd night of the season. Seems kind of ridiculous that Chicago will have 2 games played before several teams have their first.

I do like Kaprizov getting the A, though I certainly would have been fine with JEE.  Eriksson Ek was the next choice apparently since he will be wearing the A while Spurgeon is out of the lineup.

The Bedard glazing from the NHL is crazy.

[mnfaninnc]

18 hours ago, vonlonster67 said:

Reaves was all about the TALK n SHOW, nothing more to get his mug on TNT and secure his next gig when everyone figures out he's not needed anymore. At least DeLo had an excuse as he was injured and mixed it up plenty before that blood/guts...

Maroon is a winner and a repeat Cup winner, he is the complete package, can actually be a threat at net front, takes no shit, doesn't let anything linger or get misunderstood, he deals with it NOW. Complete different class of player than the clowns in Reaves and oft injured DeLo.

With Maroon, he seems to have a little different way of doing business. While Reaves would ask "do you want to go?" Maroon seems to back a guy off saying "we're gonna go!" and then drops the gloves and starts chucking. The opposite player can be called a coward or can drop his gloves and try to protect himself the best he can. Deslauriers seemed to be in the middle of these 2, and could skate faster than Reaves. 

I think where Reaves' benefits came in were in some off ice stuff and in the locker room. But, Reaves had a problem actually chasing down people. It also seemed like he was late to arrive for hits and mostly just delivered glancing blows. 

Maroon, to me, seems to have a shorter fuse, and is still quick/fast enough to track down someone while play is going on. He can do the faceoff drop, but he can also attack while play is going on. I realize he was heavily penalized last season, but not all PIMs are created equal. How many coincidental 2s did he take? How many 5s and 10s were in those PIMs? And then, he can chip in on offense better than either of the last 2. 

We make fun of the '80s style here, but I like having an '80s mentality on the roster. I'd love to see him back Suter into a corner the 1st time we play Dallas, have some intense words followed by a face wash. Then, you follow that up with a heavy check in the corner to the same player to reinforce the words, followed by a glare that says "I know your number." At that point, it falls into Benn's hands as to what to do next, and Benn, I would think, want's no part of what Maroon can bring.

This type of mentality is needed when we play the Blues, Nashville, and Winnipeg too. Not so much Colorado anymore, at least not until Landeskog returns (if ever). To get to the SCF, you have to go through the division and at least 1 of these teams. 

[mnfaninnc]

18 hours ago, Tony Abbott said:

Just like Reaves was last year just like Deslauriers was gonna the year before. 

Your skepticism is noted and has merit.

[mnfaninnc]

15 hours ago, Up North Guy said:

I am pretty sure that Yurov was speaking English pretty well at development camp. Dino, I have no idea. And Fistov was going to school here in the states was he not?

You're right about "Fistov" which should be his new nickname. Not so sure about Yurov. Was Kaprizov's Russian interpreter in camp?

[Imyourhuckleberry]

22 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

Was Kaprizov's Russian interpreter in camp?

Yes, and Guerin signed him to a 3 year extension at $4M per season!

[M_Nels]

28 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

I think where Reaves' benefits came in were in some off ice stuff and in the locker room. But, Reaves had a problem actually chasing down people. It also seemed like he was late to arrive for hits and mostly just delivered glancing blows. 

Maroon, to me, seems to have a shorter fuse, and is still quick/fast enough to track down someone while play is going on. He can do the faceoff drop, but he can also attack while play is going on. I realize he was heavily penalized last season, but not all PIMs are created equal. How many coincidental 2s did he take? How many 5s and 10s were in those PIMs? And then, he can chip in on offense better than either of the last 2. 

Far and away the biggest knock on Reaves last year was his total lack of speed. Felt bad for the Dewey's last year because it was essentially a 2 man show most of the time and Reaves provided very little backcheck support. 

Admired Reaves for wanting to put someone through the boards and send a message but like you said he was almost always late and the other players could see him coming 2 miles away and dodge him. Maroon is not a speedster in his own right but is faster than Reaves and his offensive upside is much higher.