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Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!


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I think Mikki is on to something here. Let's look at a few other things-

Kaprizov was working out with Evegeni Malkin this offseason, a career Penguin. Sure, the Pens have won in the past, but they haven't been close these last few seasons. Malkin stayed there and Pittsburgh is not an East Coast power city. 

Kaprizov's idol is Alex Ovechkin a career Capitals player. Ovechkin has 1 cup and they really haven't had the playoff success that Pittsburgh has had. Yet, still, at the end of Ovechkin's career, he is still playing in the nation's capital. Washington could be considered a power city, but that is more from the public sector not the private sector so it's a different vibe. 

Kaprizov likes it in MN. I have no idea where he lives, but this could be a good place to raise a family. There's plenty of fishing and hunting to do which is very close. I think MN could fit his lifestyle better than big cities. Kaprizov likes to remain low key, and have some protection from a media circus. 

I think Kaprizov may be ready to sign, but he isn't here yet and the Wild will definitely want the signing to be public with a share of pomp. This is one reason why I don't think Russo's information is accurate. Euro players do think differently, and it's not paramount on their mind like NA players. They have a more patient approach, and believe it will get taken care of in time. They like to enjoy their vacation right now and are not so worried about the next thing. 

The time when you get the Euro players is right before they leave or right after they get back. Since Kaprizov was not eligible for an extension prior to leaving (July 1) he likely will just deal with it quickly when he gets back. There are no visa issues as Mikki has pointed out he's under contract for this season. 

So, in summary, as TMQ would say, "this is no time to panic, there will be plenty of time for that later." For some players, they prefer not to be in the bright lights and big city. For some players, it also isn't about who offers the largest contract. Getting in a Euro mindset is needed in this situation and I believe the Russian players think differently than the Swedish ones. One thing that would be really nice is if Kaprizov came back and told the Wild to watch a couple of Russian players that he worked out with flying under the radar. Getting a couple of those guys in the later rounds could pay pretty good dividends!

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