Wild’s Kaprizov discusses adjusting to life in the NHL & USA and Rookie of the Year hype
[anvplayer video=”5025234″ station=”998122″]
He’s the front-runner to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year and has been a big part in a Minnesota Wild season that’s surpassed expectations so far. Wild rookie Kirill Kaprizov discussed that and plenty more in a wide-ranging videoconference Tuesday.
Click the video box on this page to watch Kirill Kaprizov’s entire videoconference with media from Tuesday morning
Kaprizov has a five-game goal scoring-streak into Wednesday night’s game against St. Louis. His 22 goals and 41 points this season lead NHL rookies and are Wild franchise records for a rookie player.
Speaking through translator Ilya Kravtchouk on Tuesday, Kaprizov discussed how his game has grown this season, and areas he hopes it continues to grow.
He also discussed the growing hype around his Rookie of the Year candidacy and his ongoing quest to pick up as much English as he can, even if most of it is just coming from his interactions in the locker room.
Wild rookie sensation Kirill Kaprizov chats with media via videoconference on Tuesday, April 27, 2021[KSTP]
Kaprizov also said he’s starting to get noticed by Wild fans the rare times he’s out and about in town which, due to the pandemic, has been fairly limited.
"This season it’s been: rink, home, sleep, travel, eat, repeat," Kaprizov said through Kravtchouk. "There’s no free time. It’s been a unique situation, but it’s been fine."