Wild forward Kaprizov wins Calder Trophy as NHL’s top rookie
Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov, left, collects the puck as Colorado Avalanche left wing Brandon Saad defends in the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021, in Denver.[AP Photo/David Zalubowski/File]
Kirill the Thrill has his first accolade as an NHL player.
Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov has won the Calder Memorial Trophy, given to the league’s most outstanding first-year player.
The 24-year-old Russia native led the Wild and all NHL rookies with 51 points in 55 games this season. He also led the team and league rookies in goals, even-strength goals, power-play goals and shots on goal, tied for first in overtime goals, second in assists, even-strength points and power-play points, setting several team rookie records along the way.
Kaprizov, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, is the first-ever Wild player to win the award.
He beat out fellow finalists Alex Nedeljkovic of the Carolina Hurricanes and Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars.