How Long Will It Take For Danila Yurov To Adjust To the NHL?

Danila Yurov’s journey to the NHL has been a long time coming, and his career in North America is only beginning. 

Yurov set the record for most points in a single season by a KHL skater 20 or younger with 49 points in the 2023-24 season. That’s only one of the many highlights of the young Russian’s career. He’s also a Gagarin Cup champion and a first-round draft pick. 

Now, the young forward will try his hand in the NHL, something he’s been dreaming about since he was a teenager.

“It’s a new chapter,” Yurov said. “I’ve been working toward this goal and this dream since I was a kid. I really started believing I could make it to the NHL when I was about 13, around the time I started playing for the national team and got experience on the international stage. That’s when I realized I’d be willing to do whatever it takes to get to the NHL.”

Injuries played a big part in Yurov’s lack of production last year. After setting career highs in all major categories two years ago with 21 goals, 28 assists, and 49 points, Yurov recorded just 13 goals and 25 points last year. While it hindered his development, Yurov is still ready to make a big impact for the Wild this season. 

https://twitter.com/ByronMBader/status/1923397445418918221

“I knew I was going to make the move about a year ago,” Yurov explained. “I felt it was time to leave my comfort zone and head somewhere where I don’t know anyone, where I’ll have to start from scratch and prove myself all over again. I wanted to be in a place where I can train with and compete against the best players in the world. I’m excited to experience all of it – not just imagine it, but live it.”

Yurov has all the tools to be a great player in the NHL. He’s a 200-foot player who can skate, shoot, and pass. He’s got the Hockey IQ that gives the Wild brass confidence that he can also play center in the NHL. 

It would be great if he could do things like this on the Wild roster next season:

https://twitter.com/Mattymar89/status/1923402241605607583

“People often talk about adapting to the defensive side of the game, but to be honest, that’s not something I’m too worried about,” Yurov noted. “I’ve had great coaches both at the club and national level who’ve helped me grow in that area. Even though I’ve always played as an offensive-minded center, I’ve never ignored my responsibilities in other zones.”

That will be crucial in Yurov’s ability to stick with the NHL club immediately. John Hynes needs his forwards to be responsible on both ends of the ice. Teams often burden rookies with being more responsible on the defensive end than veterans.

“The main goal is to earn a spot on the roster and stay there,” Yurov explained. “I want to improve in every area – get stronger physically, better understand the game, and develop all of my skills. My focus is just to get better every day and work on myself. We’ll see where that takes me by the end of the season. I’m taking things one day at a time.”

Yurov will spend the summer between Russia and North America. Still, he’s set to put on a Wild uniform and start training at Tria Rink in St. Paul sooner rather than later.

“I’m training in Magnitogorsk for a couple more weeks while I finish getting my visa,” Yurov said. “Then I’ll head to the U.S. in mid-June to keep training – on the ice and in the gym – with a personal coach. I’ll also take care of things like housing and transportation.”

Yurov’s contract contains the option to loan him back to his KHL team. However, if the Wild want to give him some time in Iowa, Yurov will welcome the move. 

“Absolutely,” Yurov said regarding whether he’d play in the AHL. “I’m ready to face whatever challenges come my way. If I wasn’t, then there’d be no point in making the move.”

Yurov will wear No. 22, last worn by former second-round pick Marat Khusnutdinov, another Russian. Coincidentally, Yurov has worn that number since he was a teenager, and it’s worked out pretty well for him.

“It’s my birthday, and I’ve been wearing No. 22 since I was 12,” Yurov said. “It worked out perfectly that the number was available here, too. I wore it in Russia as well. Funny enough, they didn’t even ask me about it – it was just assigned right away.”

At the conclusion of his interview, Yurov had an encouraging message all Wild fans like to hear.

“Thank you for all the excitement around my signing,” Yurov said. “I’ll do my best to make you proud with my play from Day 1. Come to the arena – we’ll work hard to give you wins and some highlight-reel goals.”

Putting butts in seats and getting more eyes on Wild hockey, two things that Danila Yurov can deliver now that he’s stateside.

All stats and data via HockeyDB and CapWages unless otherwise noted.