Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov faces challenges returning to the U.S. this offseason after traveling to Russia. Like two years ago, he struggled to leave Russia due to a warrant blocking his U.S. entry.
As a result, Kaprizov chose to stay in the U.S. last offseason. He avoided returning to Russia, to sidestep potential issues with re-entry again. This summer, however, he went back to Russia. And guess what, he again had difficulties leaving his home country.
Minnesota Wild superstar Krill Kaprizov escapes Russia once again
It all started with Kirill Kaprizov’s good friend and linemate, Mats Zuccarello, hosting a charity hockey game in Norway, one that Kaprizov had committed to playing in. Unfortunately, leaving Russia isn’t that easy, right now. After some insane behind-the-scenes efforts, and intense motivation, Kaprizov is on his way to Norway.
Ida-Marie Vatn, of TV2 (Danish TV news), had the original story. Michael Russo (The Athletic) did a google translate version summary on Twitter.
Wild story by @IDAMV about how Kaprizov will play in the Zuccarello ASG on Saturday if you slip the attached into Google translate. Kirill Kaprizov can’t simply fly into Norway without a special permit due to Russia’s invasion into Ukraine. After much work behind the scenes, Kaprizov will fly from Moscow to Istanbul to Gothenburg, then helicopter to Lillehammer.
Kaprizov got a Swedish visa when the #mnwild played in the Global Series in Sweden last November. That visa is good for a year, so he’s able to fly to Norway via Sweden. The story says Zuccarello’s team has permission in writing that Kaprizov can fly into Norway this way.
Michael Russo (The Athletic) – via @RussoHockey on Twitter (X)
A special thanks to the Wild for playing in the Global Series in Sweden last November, which means his visa is still valid for a year. This allows him to travel to Norway, via Sweden.
After the game in Norway, I’d sure hope Kaprizov won’t be returning to Russia. With the hockey season quickly approaching, hopefully, Kaprizov needs to get back to Minnesota. So we don’t have to worry about him not being able to make it back.
The Wild need Kaprizov, who has been a crucial player ever since he put on a Wild sweater. Over the past few seasons, he has emerged as one of the league’s top wingers.
| Season | Age | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | PIM | S% | ATOI | BLK | HIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-21 | 23 | 55 | 27 | 24 | 51 | 10 | 16 | 17.2 | 18:18 | 18 | 29 |
| 21-22 | 24 | 81 | 47 | 61 | 108 | 27 | 34 | 16.3 | 19:06 | 29 | 73 |
| 22-23 | 25 | 67 | 40 | 35 | 75 | 4 | 45 | 15.3 | 21:07 | 28 | 66 |
| 23-24 | 26 | 75 | 46 | 50 | 96 | 11 | 36 | 16.6 | 21:35 | 38 | 55 |
| Career | 278 | 160 | 170 | 330 | 52 | 131 | 16.3 | 20:06 | 113 | 223 |
Generated 8/15/2024.
