Kaprizov, Zuccarello reunite at first day of Minnesota Wild training camp

Minnesota Wild phenom Kirill Kaprizov and his veteran linemate Mats Zuccarello have formed quite a bond in the two seasons they’ve played together.

The two appeared side-by-side in a chat with the media at opening day of Wild training camp in St Paul.

Click the video box on this page to watch Kirill Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello chat with media at the TRIA Rink in St Paul Thursday at the first day of Minnesota Wild training camp

Zuccarello spoke up for Kaprizov when the first questions of the conversation touched upon Kaprizov’s difficulty departing Russia this summer trying to return to the United States. Zuccarello requested, on Kaprizov’s behalf, that the questions stick to hockey and training camp.

Kaprizov was brief in responding to follow-up questions on the topic, but stated he was never concerned about eventually being able to return to the U.S. difficulty obtaining the work permit needed to depart Russia.

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The two spoke at length about the team’s outlook for the coming season, challenges the team faces coming off last season’s abrupt playoff defeat, and their relationship – which Zuccarello jokingly said involves Kaprizov singing bedtime songs to his newborn daughter.

The lighthearted and jovial chat included Zuccarello’s thoughts on how Kaprizov can follow his record-setting 2021-22 season. When Kaprizov was asked what he can do to top his hundred-plus-point campaign last year, Zuccarello nudged his linemate and offered, “Two hundred?”

Kaprizov’s 47 goals, 61 assists and 108 points are all Wild single-season records.

As camp continues, the Wild’s first preseason game is Sunday at 3 p.m. against Colorado at the Xcel Energy Center.

The Wild begin the regular season on Thursday, October 13th hosting the New York Rangers.