Article: The Wild Must Think Bigger Than Brock Nelson

[RedLake]

The Mild can't do much next season. Rossi trade, Sign Benn, Granlund, Ehlers. Marner is a big no coming here. If Billy wastes cap on Nelson or Boozer that's fucking insane. Nelson at 3.5 at the most. Boomer ain't worth more than 1.5. Jamie Benn would make a great third line with Hartman and Ohgren. Replace NoJo Euro rainbow tape with Grandlund. AHLer Merŕil is replaced by Jiricek and MOUNTAIN GOAT HUNTER is replaced by Buuim. Brodin and Spurgeon also need bye bye. 

[RedLake]

Zuccerallo Euro is stuffed on the 4th line and limited PP2 time. Rossi traded for a north American guy that 

[ArizonaWildFan]

Aside from the personnel matters this off season, the Wild really need to focus on a few changes to how they play the game in general. The Wild typically play well and have a good record versus the Eastern Conference teams and really struggle with all Western Conference teams but especially the Central Division. Struggle is an understatement for how they play in the playoffs when they play the best of the Western Conference teams multiple consecutive games. Why is that?

Predictability. The Eastern teams don't play the Wild enough to identify, recognize, adjust and react to the style of play but the West teams do, especially in the playoffs.

Typically, the Wild's D-men do not aggressively attempt to exit their zone when they gain puck possession. The Wild move wingers to the blue line along the boards to wait for a pass and the D-men often move behind the net and pass to each other waiting for an opportunity to pass or skate. If they do slide the puck up the boards to a winger on the blue line, he is always defended, because the other team knows that's what is going to happen.

The Wild are one of the most aggressively forechecked teams in the league because they allow themselves to be. That adds to constantly being outshot and adding work to the goalie and I think it has a negative impact on the health and durability of their defensemen. Look at how many unnecessary hits they absorb. I would love to know how many goals the Wild gave up this year after they had gained puck possession in their defensive zone and failed to exit.

Also, the Wild are predictably bad in the face off circle. Other teams make plays and score goals off of the faceoff, not our guys. That is an individual skill that can be improved upon, make winning face offs a priority and don't just limit making it a priority with the centers. How often does a center get tossed from the dot and the winger steps in and just goes through the motions. Not acceptable. Make face off percentage a priority.

Finally, engage the defensemen offensively regularly. Don't predictably stand on your offensive blue line all the time, or in the neutral zone behind it. When a team maintains that structure, they are effectively playing 3-on-5 hockey in the O-zone.

The Wild are looking to score a half or more goals per game on average or to give up a half goal per game less on average to be more successful in the regular season and the playoffs. Those three changes or improvements would do that. And it doesn't require a major roster addition or spending big money.

 

[Willy the poor boy]

15 hours ago, Enforceror said:

What does it take to get those two goals?

Rossi on the first or second line...

[Burnt Toast]

3 hours ago, ArizonaWildFan said:

Predictability

Awesome detailed comments!! I think this is exactly what happened against Vegas and one reason the matchup strategies started to backfire in games 4-6. Like you mentioned, the difference between winning and losing in the NHL can be a fine line. ZB and Jiri have the potential to bring a missing element to our D core, offense. 

[Imyourhuckleberry]

15 hours ago, MacGyver said:

CL would have been well advised to read The Art Of The Deal before making a statement like that.

I have doubts that the person pictured on the cover of that book has actually fully read it. It was written by Tony Schwartz. The person on the cover of that book "did not write any of the book".  He did choose to remove a few critical mentions of business colleagues at the end of the editing process.

[Willy the poor boy]

1 hour ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

I have doubts that the person pictured on the cover of that book has actually fully read it. It was written by Tony Schwartz. The person on the cover of that book "did not write any of the book".  He did choose to remove a few critical mentions of business colleagues at the end of the editing process.

Ya, but at least he knows, understands and actually signs the laws he's signing...So there's that...

[Protec]

Cross-Eyed Bill might need an autopen cause he writes in parallax. 🤪

[MacGyver]

5 hours ago, Imyourhuckleberry said:

I have doubts that the person pictured on the cover of that book has actually fully read it. It was written by Tony Schwartz. The person on the cover of that book "did not write any of the book".  He did choose to remove a few critical mentions of business colleagues at the end of the editing process.

Even if the title of the book was Making Deals For Dummies written by Ernest T Bass CL would have done well to read it. Announcing well before you enter into negotiations for a deal that you are willing to pay anything it takes and no other bidder will pay more is one of the most asinine things I've ever heard and seen take place. I only mentioned the book to illustrate CL's apparent naivety at how to negotiate contracts. Had no intentions of triggering any TDS. 🍻

[WildNotMild]

Posted something similar in another thread:

I have read that Nelson turned down 7.5M for 3 years mid season from NYI.  IF true, would the regulars on here prefer Nelson or Rossi for 7.5M?  I would prefer Rossi in that he is younger and has more upside.  Father Time is undefeated in humbling players in their mid 30s (and the GMs who signed them) to deals for too much money, too much term and/or clauses.  Don’t be dumb Billy.  7.5M is too much for Nelson even for a couple of years.  I don’t want to hear from Billy about a fair deal and that clauses are part of doing business with established players.  Please let someone else sign the other Brocks.

[OldDutchChip]

11 hours ago, ArizonaWildFan said:

Aside from the personnel matters this off season, the Wild really need to focus on a few changes to how they play the game in general. The Wild typically play well and have a good record versus the Eastern Conference teams and really struggle with all Western Conference teams but especially the Central Division. Struggle is an understatement for how they play in the playoffs when they play the best of the Western Conference teams multiple consecutive games. Why is that?

Predictability. The Eastern teams don't play the Wild enough to identify, recognize, adjust and react to the style of play but the West teams do, especially in the playoffs.

Typically, the Wild's D-men do not aggressively attempt to exit their zone when they gain puck possession. The Wild move wingers to the blue line along the boards to wait for a pass and the D-men often move behind the net and pass to each other waiting for an opportunity to pass or skate. If they do slide the puck up the boards to a winger on the blue line, he is always defended, because the other team knows that's what is going to happen.

The Wild are one of the most aggressively forechecked teams in the league because they allow themselves to be. That adds to constantly being outshot and adding work to the goalie and I think it has a negative impact on the health and durability of their defensemen. Look at how many unnecessary hits they absorb. I would love to know how many goals the Wild gave up this year after they had gained puck possession in their defensive zone and failed to exit.

Also, the Wild are predictably bad in the face off circle. Other teams make plays and score goals off of the faceoff, not our guys. That is an individual skill that can be improved upon, make winning face offs a priority and don't just limit making it a priority with the centers. How often does a center get tossed from the dot and the winger steps in and just goes through the motions. Not acceptable. Make face off percentage a priority.

Finally, engage the defensemen offensively regularly. Don't predictably stand on your offensive blue line all the time, or in the neutral zone behind it. When a team maintains that structure, they are effectively playing 3-on-5 hockey in the O-zone.

The Wild are looking to score a half or more goals per game on average or to give up a half goal per game less on average to be more successful in the regular season and the playoffs. Those three changes or improvements would do that. And it doesn't require a major roster addition or spending big money.

 

good thoughts. agree with your points, but have to disagree a bit on the conclusion. 

i think the wild lack the personnel and it does require major roster addition/changes

re Face Offs - this has been a long-term problem and a goal to improve every season. but every year there is an issue. either systemic issue or again - personnel. i believe Nelson will be signed for this reason by Billy - as he has done good enough job at the circle for the last few years. however, i would be completely against it, mainly because it would shock me if Nelson took less than 6 per, and at that price - we need to keep that $ and allocate it better. so yes i agree - this is an issue. yes we have to get better at it. but it may need to be external help, rather than internal improvement. And help at top 6, which is a premium position. And therefore will cost us and be that major addition to the roster.

re D transition and puck moving game - agree with the points. however, we lack the skill to execute such a game. removing old man spurge (age and injuries and age) and midds (for obv reasons) we are left with Brodin, Faber and Chissy. Chissy may have the chops but has so many holes and is just too inconsistent (and plays 3rd line, and we really are talking top 2 pairs). Brodin is a good skater but his skill is elite in the D zone, not really dynamic transition. As for Faber - again reality - he is a great minute muncher but elite in transition he is not - and really that is what we need to match up against in the West elite. We need elite. So our hope is Zeev is that (and not the second coming of Chissy and Addison) So let's say Zeev lands and we are set there - whats next....

Forecheck and that board battle - yes! and we are talking about again top 6. and i again believe we lack that skill. half of our top 6 is not good (forget elite) ..... they are not good at forecheck and physical board battle. 

So my disagreements are really minor but essentially come down to the need - minor vs major. My opinion -  It cannot be minor - as it won't yield the necessary result. Our transition game should be better with Zeev and we have Jiri who can offer something (who knows yet.....he better!). So whats left - top 6 player who plays hard, plays on the boards (north /  south game) and wins FOs. 

That will cost. Reality. Elias is not that good in FO and plays what Protec refers to as Euro game 🙂 Let's leave Elias out. 

Tkachuk - Faber/Rossi

Why? Because elite players win. The more you have the better. Dallas sure is not complaining about Ranty. That topic has been talked about a ton before- but he cost a lot - but is now showing that he deserved it. I fully believe Brady deserves it too. And we can afford to loose Rossi and Faber (Brodin, Spurge, Zeev, Midds, Jiri....the better the offense - the less strain on the defense) for him. So that's my pitch to Guerin - go all out and try to poach him from OTT.

🍻

[mnhockeyfan03]

2 hours ago, WildNotMild said:

Posted something similar in another thread:

I have read that Nelson turned down 7.5M for 3 years mid season from NYI.  IF true, would the regulars on here prefer Nelson or Rossi for 7.5M?  I would prefer Rossi in that he is younger and has more upside.  Father Time is undefeated in humbling players in their mid 30s (and the GMs who signed them) to deals for too much money, too much term and/or clauses.  Don’t be dumb Billy.  7.5M is too much for Nelson even for a couple of years.  I don’t want to hear from Billy about a fair deal and that clauses are part of doing business with established players.  Please let someone else sign the other Brocks.

If Billy pays anything north of $5mm for Nelson, Boeser or Rossi he should be fired.  And no more than 2-3 years.  I am a hard no on Rossi and Boeser.  Nelson only to play third line and nothing more.  We still need a 1C and another top 6 wing in addition to him.  Also with Kap if his big thing is wanting to win see if he will be ok with $12mm rather than $15mm to help the team win.  Get him a few commercial deals to make up the difference.  Trade Faber and Rossi for a true 1C

[raithis]

15 hours ago, mnhockeyfan03 said:

If Billy pays anything north of $5mm for Nelson, Boeser or Rossi he should be fired.  And no more than 2-3 years.  I am a hard no on Rossi and Boeser.  Nelson only to play third line and nothing more.  We still need a 1C and another top 6 wing in addition to him.  Also with Kap if his big thing is wanting to win see if he will be ok with $12mm rather than $15mm to help the team win.  Get him a few commercial deals to make up the difference.  Trade Faber and Rossi for a true 1C

I don't think your dollars match reality.  With the cap going up and limited players available, teams will be falling over each other to pick up the better free agents.  Any decent free agent is going to get paid, and the players know it.  If they want to test the market, the market will likely give the better players $1-2M more than what we're used to for top 9 forwards and top 4 defensemen.

Also, people can say trade x for a legitimate 1C call they want, but there aren't many teams who would even entertain the idea.  Playoff teams aren't going to get rid of a 1C and rebuilding teams aren't going to part with a young 1C they are building around.  What you have left are teams who are trending downward or teams with an older 1C that's on the decline.  Those are the teams we would have to trade with - and few of those players seem appealing.

[mnhockeyfan03]

3 minutes ago, raithis said:

I don't think your dollars match reality.  With the cap going up and limited players available, teams will be falling over each other to pick up the better free agents.  Any decent free agent is going to get paid, and the players know it.  If they want to test the market, the market will likely give the better players $1-2M more than what we're used to for top 9 forwards and top 4 defensemen.

Also, people can say trade x for a legitimate 1C call they want, but there aren't many teams who would even entertain the idea.  Playoff teams aren't going to get rid of a 1C and rebuilding teams aren't going to part with a young 1C they are building around.  What you have left are teams who are trending downward or teams with an older 1C that's on the decline.  Those are the teams we would have to trade with - and few of those players seem appealing.

Understand that completely.  It’s not that Nelson and Boeser want to play and live here.  So if they do they can take a deal of $5mm or look elsewhere.  They have mad enough money in their careers.  If they want to come here to end it then they can take a large discount or move on.

 

Understand on the 1C but Billy needs to be trying and everyone besides Kap and Boldy should be on the table to get that done.  Have to get creative

[raithis]

17 minutes ago, mnhockeyfan03 said:

Understand that completely.  It’s not that Nelson and Boeser want to play and live here.  So if they do they can take a deal of $5mm or look elsewhere.  They have mad enough money in their careers.  If they want to come here to end it then they can take a large discount or move on.

 

Understand on the 1C but Billy needs to be trying and everyone besides Kap and Boldy should be on the table to get that done.  Have to get creative

The thing is that you probably don't pry a 1C away from someone (at least not a good one who still has half a tank of gas in them), without Kaprizov or Boldy in that deal.

There may be a few teams who might be willing to take that gamble, but it isn't many and it probably wouldn't feel like we got enough in return.

I'm not opposed to trading anyone if it will make the team better, but it has to be a good trade for us.  Unfortunately there just aren't a lot of realistic options.

 

[Up North Guy]

20 hours ago, raithis said:

The thing is that you probably don't pry a 1C away from someone (at least not a good one who still has half a tank of gas in them), without Kaprizov or Boldy in that deal.

There may be a few teams who might be willing to take that gamble, but it isn't many and it probably wouldn't feel like we got enough in return.

I'm not opposed to trading anyone if it will make the team better, but it has to be a good trade for us.  Unfortunately there just aren't a lot of realistic options.

 

A dose of reality on HW. Wow

[Protec]

Rossi for Anders Lee and NYI holds back 1M in salary. 

That would be perfect. MN gets heavier down the middle, Lee has another year under contract. NYI just got 1st overall so they're likely to take a defender or their pick of centers but if they got Rossi, they'd get some youth and playmaking power to go with Eiserman for their future. MN has some centers in the pipeline. If they wanna be harder now, Lee would be a great fit. Then trade Chisholm & Fred for a depth guy or to get a pick back, then have enough money to also sign Nelson. You'd have some familiarity and immediately get some real center depth and hardness to go with Ek. 

Now wingers would slot in with Trenin, Brazo, Foligno, Hartman, and Zuccy. Top line still has Kirill and Boldy. 

That leaves a few slots open for Ogie, Yurov, Vinnie, or whatever grinders and less expensive players you wanna use. That's three capable scoring centers to drive a line with mix of young/sizable winger talent.

That would be very good in a Western playoff series and for the PP units. 

[Protec]

Imagine the Wild up front:

Boldy Ek Kaprizov 

Zuccy Nelson Hartman

Ogie Lee Foligno

Trenin, Haight, Yurov, Vinnie, Brazo, Heidt, or variation of this kind of players for your L4. 

Then each PP has some netfront guys and sidewall trigger-men, plus some finesse type passers with Fabes, Spurge, or Buium to quarterback up top. Size and compete gets way better. Veterans and Minnesota native guys who could play a big role right away and lead by example for a sprinkle of young guys. 

I think it would be doable and you're not locked in for too long on older guys. Your prospects are on the way so timing is good to compete right away and battle the tough Central teams. 

[Protec]

If Lee plays wing, then have Hartman center L2 or L3 and you shuffle with your other capable wings. I think Ogie will be capable of scoring 15-20 cause he can shoot and he made some nice setup passes this year. 

The Wild would be so much stronger and more experienced and it could allow some young guys to fit im better than with Fred or NoJo. This could cost less than extending Rossi and if any of the prospects overperform, MN looks way better. 

Is it true MN can't offer-sheet Knies cause they don't have the correct picks? 

Lee is pretty durable and reliable for 40+ points. Great size, leadership, hard-nosed. He'd make the Wild better right away and would allow MN to plug in Ogie or Yurov easier. His AAV is pretty decent for a win-now mentality. Playoffs experience and if combined with Nelson, MN is way better and beefier up front. Nelson with Lee and Ogie could be faboom and then have Hartman, Zuccy, and Foligno for L3. That's pretty damn good in the top nine. Rossi and Fred would be a small price to pay, moving them out. 

Pretty sure NYI has a new GM so maybe you could make a deal there. They're at somewhat of a crossroads and recently hit the draft jackpot so perhaps it's possible for the Wild to pick up two MN guys who are older but serious upgrades over Fred & NoJo. 

Edited Sunday at 12:47 AM by Protec

[SkolWild73]

Since I am assuming will we not be able to trade for a true 1C, I am looking at the UFA options at center, assuming none of them sign with their current team.  

John Tavares- Will be 35 when next season starts, Tavares still put up good numbers, scoring his most goals since 2018/2019 with 38 and still averaged about a point per game played, which is above his career average of .94. He won 58.3% of his face offs this year and has not been below 55% since 2018/2019 and also recorded his third best +- of his career at +10.  Made $11M this year, so not sure what type of pay cut he is willing/going to take.  If we could get him for 2 or max of 3 years at a reasonable rate that would be great, but I figure he will cost too much.

Matt Duchene- Will turn 35 in January of next season.  Duchene put up 30 goals, which was his second highest total of his career this year, and 82 points while playing all 82 games.  He has been a point per game player with 4 different teams in his career, Colorado in 2013/14, Ottawa in 2018/19, Nashville in 2021/22 and, Dallas this year.  Has had some up and down years but has done well in Dallas since he signed there for 3M per year two years ago but has not done much in the playoffs for them with 2 goals and 8 assists in 29 games. He is a career minus player, due mainly to two bad years.  His last 4 years he has been a plus player. Also, has only had one year, his rookie year, where he was below 50% on faceoffs and is 53.8% on his career.  Hopefully he wants a big enough pay raise to get out of Dallas, but not too big to price himself out for us.  Like Tavares, a 2 to max of 3-year deal at a reasonable rate would be nice.

Sam Bennett- The youngest of all the free agents, Bennet does not turn 29 until June.  Nothing super flashy with his game, reminds me a little of Ek.  He has never put up more than 51 points in a season and has only scored more than 20 goals twice.  After being a minus player for entire career, Bennett had 4 straight plus years with Florida before a -15 year this year.  In the last three years, he has upped his game in the playoffs, scoring 17 goals and 20 assists in 48 playoff games, well above his regular season averages.  His career on faceoffs is 47% and has not had a year above 50% since 2019/20.  With a cap hit of $4.4M this year, Bennett is due a raise.  Due to his age, Bennett could be signed for a much longer term, will just depend on the cost.

Brock Nelson- Turns 34 just before the start of next season.  Has been a solid player in his career, topping 30 goals three consecutive seasons starting in 2021/22.  Has only topped 70 points once and 60 points one other time.  He is a career plus player at +15.  He only has two seasons where he was above 50% on faceoffs and has a career percentage of 48.

Of these 4 I would rate Nelson last.  I think the other three would be nice signings, again depending on the contract.

But it also comes down to whether we keep Rossi or trade him.  If we keep him, we have center depth.  If we trade him, do not get a center back, and only sign one of these four, we do not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Enforceror]

https://www.sport-express.ru/hockey/nhl/reviews/danila-yurov-uezzhaet-iz-metallurga-v-minnesotu-intervyu-forvarda-ob-nhl-i-kaprizove-2320485/

 

An interview with Danila Yurov, who will soon sign an entry-level contract with the Wild.

Former Metallurg forward Danila Yurov will continue his career in the Minnesota system. This is already a done deal. On April 22, the forward terminated his agreement with the club from Magnitogorsk. The next step is the signed rookie contract with Wild. In an interview with SE, Danila talked about his decision, the defeat to Avangard in the first round of the KHL playoffs, the injuries he suffered, and the competition with Kirill Kaprizov.

Childhood dream: to play in the NHL

— Your departure to Minnesota next season is a done deal. What prompted it?

 

 

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— My childhood desire, goal and dream was to play in the NHL. After last season, I understood that I would most likely spend my last year in Metallurg. I was mentally prepared for this decision. I dreamed about going to Minnesota the whole season. I had already been there, I understand how everything works — that also motivated me.

—  Alexander Nikishin and Ivan Demidov left for the NHL immediately after the end of the KHL season. Why didn’t you do the same?

— I wanted to fully recover. This is an important factor. There was no point in going not being 100 percent ready. With my agents and parents, we leaned toward the option of staying in Russia, calmly recovering, having a good rest, training, getting a work visa, and going to prepare for the next season.

— Has Minnesota tried to persuade you to join the team already?

— We explained our position to the club. I want to come fully prepared and help the team. There were no problems, they understood everything. They also need a fully healthy player.

 

"Kaprizov's example is the most illustrative." The Magnitka star talks about winning the Cup and leaving for the NHL

— How did Metallurg try to keep you? Was there a moment when you said: don’t contact me for negotiations?

— I immediately told the agent that I had a great desire to go to the NHL. There were attempts from Metallurg to keep me, but Evgeny Nikolaevich (Biryukov. —  SE note ) and Alexey Valerievich ( Zhloba. — SE note ) also understood that I wanted to go to the NHL.

— What will your contract with Minnesota consist of?

— The contract has been agreed upon since last season. When everything comes together, all the details will become clear. In North America, contracts are open.

— How was your communication with the Wild during the season?

— Everything is the same as in previous years. They sent me errors, asked about my condition every week. They were worried when I came out after a shoulder injury. There was constant contact, they were always ready to help me. I didn’t feel a drop in interest in me. I couldn’t imagine my week without a message from Minnesota.

- Who wrote to you? A European scout, or personally general manager Bill Guerin?

— Head of scouting, development coaches, scout for Russia Ivan Nepryaev. We talked to Bill Guerin last spring after my surgery.

 

Photo photo.khl.ru

Learns English before traveling to the USA

— Minnesota changed its head coach a year ago. John Hynes replaced Dean Evason, who brought Kirill Kaprizov to the NHL. Does this add uncertainty to you?

— We haven’t specifically talked about my role yet. Perhaps I’ll come to Minnesota before the training camp and we’ll be able to talk. The main thing now is to give my leg a full recovery and have a good rest after a tough season. All I can think about is clearing my head.

— How are you preparing for North America? Are you learning English? Are you mastering the basics of independent living?

— I am learning English. I study at least once a week. In everyday life, it is still impossible to fully immerse myself in what awaits me in North America. I will understand this only there. Don’t think that life in America is a different universe. I need to quickly integrate into their life rhythm. I have been to the US a couple of times, I know how they live. I hope the adaptation will be quick.

— How would you rate your English? Can you give an interview in this language?

— I know hockey terms perfectly. Mark French, Mike Pelino, Fredrik Stillman worked at Metallurg. In colloquial language: it would be awkward if I said something wrong. As it was, for example, with Leonid Slutsky.

And I can communicate with foreigners. When I went to Minnesota, the general manager, the staff, the doctors understood me. I knew that I had to learn English, so I started learning it right away.

— There are people in your circle who have already left for North America: Nikita Grebenkin, Marat Khusnutdinov . Did they give you advice?

- Nikita Grebenkin should arrive after the playoffs. I think we will see each other and train together. So we will talk. My agent should help me with the adaptation. Plus I plan to train with Russian guys from the NHL. They will explain everything to me, tell me everything. I understand what traditions and communication manners the Americans have.

- What manners? In the US you always have to smile. Are you ready to be friendly all the time ?

— If that’s what it takes, I’ll adapt. I like to laugh. It’s not like I’m gloomy. At first it will be unusual: when they ask you “how are you?”, but it’s just a formality — like saying “hello” in our country. It will take time to adapt, but everyone goes through that.

 

"Kaprizov would be glad to see me in Minnesota. But he didn't persuade me." Interview with the young star of Magnitka

— How did you perceive the exchange of Marat Khusnutdinov?

— Surprised. At first I saw that they traded one Czech, and Marat’s name was only at the end. I was surprised. He played the entire season in the NHL, but they traded him. I think it will be easier for him to get a foothold in Boston. He has talent, he’s a hard-working guy. I hope everything works out for him.

— How do you feel about the possibility of being sent to the AHL?

- They'll send me and they'll send me, what's the big deal? I'll go prove everything through the AHL.

— Some players immediately put a stop to this by adding a clause in their contract about a possible return to Russia.

— If necessary, I will make my way through the farm club. I have learned to be patient during my career. I don’t see anything terrible in the AHL. North America has different hockey. It might be even easier to get used to it in the farm club. There is the example of Kirill Marchenko: he was sent to the AHL, he played a month in Cleveland, and was promoted to Columbus. Egor Chinakhov and Dmitry Voronkov also played in the farm club.

— Kirill Kaprizov is already a Minnesota legend. What is your relationship like? Can you call him and ask where is the best place to rent a place?

- There are no problems with that. When I came to the training camp, we talked, called each other. I think I can call him without any problems, but now the playoffs are underway. There is clearly no time for that yet. After the season, maybe we will call each other, I will ask him some questions.

— Aren’t you afraid of being left in Kaprizov’s shadow? There’s the example of Edmonton, where Leon Draisaitl is always second to Connor McDavid.

- No, I'm not afraid. I don't think we'll have a rivalry with Kirill. I'm going to the NHL to learn new details, progress, gain a foothold in the main team and win the Stanley Cup. It doesn't matter what role awaits me - I'm ready for everything. Everyone's name is engraved on the cup, not just one.

 

Photo of HC Metallurg

Two surgeries per year

— In the 2024/25 season, you suffered the most serious injuries in your career and two surgeries. Did you rethink the value of health?

— As for the shoulders, I knew that they needed to be pumped up. My shoulder had been hurting for a long time, I played like that for two and a half seasons. But the soreness took its toll — I had to have surgeries. With the ankle, there was a stupid situation. I twisted my foot on the puck. I played a match, then there was a break. Everything seemed to be fine, but in the game with Traktor I twisted it again, and with Sibir — it was finished off. Although it seemed that the pain had subsided. I probably should have immediately put on a special “boot” and given it more rest.

— Did your ankle injury hinder you in the playoffs?

— In the series with Avangard, I gave it my all. I didn’t skate on clean ice — I tried to keep up with everything. It was hard because of the loss of the game rhythm. But I gave everything I could. Now I understand that my leg wasn’t ready 100 percent — maybe 70-75. But I had a great desire — that’s why we decided that I would play from the second game.

— What was missing to get past Avangard in the first round of the playoffs?

— Simple decisions and skill. It’s obvious. I recently rewatched Game 6. It seems like we’re pressing and pressing, but Avangard is defusing the situation with an icing or a stop. It was like that throughout the entire series. We lacked basic experience in making simple decisions.

— Have you experienced what a season after a championship means?

— As Andrei Vladimirovich used to say: “It seems like you’re doing everything the same: you’re training, working, but the puck isn’t going into the goal.” In such moments, you start to pick on yourself. I think many on the team have gone through this. We played and treated the matter the same way as in the last goal. But something wasn’t working out. How many games did we come back from 0:3, from 1:4. Luck, perhaps, turned away a little at first. We lacked it to take second place in the conference.

 

"Minnesota General Manager Loves Russia." Magnitka's Young Talent on a Trip to America

— Were you worried that you didn’t score points that often during the regular season?

— At first, yes. Especially after last season. I talked to Andrei Vladimirovich and other people. I understand that I played in waves the whole season. And this is a normal story after such operations. No matter how much you prepare, it is hard to play without a preseason. I think Roma Kantserov and Denis Zernov had the same story. You just have to endure it.

— How did you deal with psychological pressure when the game wasn’t going well? What did this situation teach you?

— I tried to distract myself. Turn on a comedy series or a movie. And go to bed quickly. I have no problems with sleep after games. I come, eat and go to bed. You need to be able to clear your head. A new day begins at 00.00. And the previous day is already history. Everything comes through work. The generation when Sergey Mozyakin and Danis Zaripov played also produced such episodes. Everyone goes through this. These are the peculiarities of a career.

— What comedy series do you watch?

— The last one I watched was "Bodyguards." "Real Boys" is a classic. And I also liked Guy Ritchie's film, "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Affairs."

— Over the past seasons, you have played both in the center and on the flank. Where do you feel more comfortable?

— I feel more comfortable in the center. I’ve already gotten used to this role. When I was put on the edge this season, it was unusual. In the center, you spend more time with the puck. Let’s see what position they’ll use me in in Minnesota. I’m ready to play anywhere.

— What do you need to add before leaving for the NHL?

— Muscle strength, endurance. You can’t play 82 matches in the regular season just on desire or muscles. You need endurance. I think you can also add speed. And in terms of technique, they’ll tell you at the training camp.

 

Photo of HC Metallurg

Ready for the St. Paul rush

— Did you see how Ivan Demidov was greeted in Montreal? Were you surprised?

— Montreal is the capital of hockey. I was there for the draft, so I know what kind of excitement there is. It was not a surprise. That's how many prospects are greeted in Montreal. But if something goes wrong, the pressure will start. I hope Vanya will succeed. And it won't come to that.

— Are you ready for the same thing to happen in St. Paul?

— Yes. There was a certain amount of pressure in Magnitogorsk too. Last spring and summer it was hard to go outside — there was a lot of attention. It is important to be mentally prepared, read less about yourself and be able to clear your head. You shouldn’t get hung up on whether you are loved or hated, you just have to do your job. There is only one step from love to hate. But also back.

— Back — it’s not a fact that it’s just one step.

— There are examples when a person in the playoffs makes a shot from an empty net or scores an important goal, and they start to praise him. You just need to abstract yourself from the pressure and be your head in hockey, and not around it.

— When are you flying to St. Paul?

- At the end of June.

— With a girl or alone?

— At first, alone. The agent said he would help with the daily routine. I don’t yet understand how to rent an apartment. I don’t think it’s difficult, but I need to figure everything out. The club helps at first, provides a hotel while the player looks for housing. Plus Kirill Kaprizov and Yakov Trenin, I hope, will help with the daily routine and small things. That’s why I’ll go in advance to organize everything before the training camp.

— Aren’t you worried that you’re leaving the place where you’ve lived for a long time, that you’ll now be away from your parents?

— Of course, it’s hard to leave the place where I grew up, where I became a hockey player. But you have to do it to get out of your comfort zone. I understand that it’s time to move on and become stronger. If not now, then later it will be hard to go mentally. Take the example of Anatoly Golyshev. He left at 26 with his children and wife. He himself said how hard it was for him: he had to travel 100 kilometers because he didn’t know where he would play — in the NHL or the AHL. At his age, it’s more comfortable to play in Russia. Now I realize that leaving is a difficult moment, but I understand that this step needs to be taken.