Career Timeline of Kirill Kaprizov: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Kirill Kaprizov, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Kirill Kaprizov is a Russian professional ice hockey left winger and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. Prior to his NHL career, he played in the KHL for teams like Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, and CSKA Moscow. Notably, Kaprizov earned the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 2021, a first for any Wild player. He is known by the nickname "Kirill the Thrill."

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1992: Mention of First Gold medal for Russia since 1992

In 2018, Kaprizov scored the golden goal in overtime of the final match against Germany, winning the first gold medal for the Russian ice hockey team since 1992.

2000: Marian Gaborik's rookie record

On 19 April 2021, Kaprizov scored his 37th point, breaking the Wild's franchise record for points by a rookie, which was previously held by Marián Gáborík (in 2000–01).

2014: Started Professional Career

In 2014, Kirill Kaprizov began his professional career with the senior team Metallurg Novokuznetsk.

2014: KHL Debut

In 2014, Kirill Kaprizov debuted in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) with Metallurg Novokuznetsk, after being drafted first overall in the 2014 KHL Junior Draft.

August 2015: Signed Contract Extension

In August 2015, Kaprizov signed a three-year contract extension to remain with Metallurg Novokuznetsk.

2015: Drafted by Minnesota Wild

In 2015, Kirill Kaprizov was drafted by the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League in the fifth round, 135th overall.

May 2016: Traded to Salavat Yulaev Ufa

In May 2016, Kaprizov was traded to Salavat Yulaev Ufa.

2017: Won Bronze at World Junior Championship

At the 2017 World Junior Championship, Kirill Kaprizov tied for leading scorer with nine goals and three assists in 12 games. Russia won bronze.

2017: Traded to CSKA Moscow

In 2017, Kaprizov was traded to CSKA Moscow in exchange for monetary compensation.

2018: Played in Gagarin Cup Finals

In 2018, Kirill Kaprizov played in the Gagarin Cup finals.

2018: Won Olympic Gold Medal

In 2018, Kirill Kaprizov won a gold medal with the Olympic Athletes from Russia team at the Winter Olympics, scoring the golden goal in overtime of the final match against Germany.

October 2019: 100th Career Goal

On 15 October 2019, Kirill Kaprizov registered his 100th career goal, becoming the youngest player in KHL history to reach this milestone at 22 years, 172 days old.

2019: Won Bronze at IIHF World Championship

In 2019, Kirill Kaprizov won bronze at the IIHF World Championship.

2019: Won Gagarin Cup

In 2019, Kirill Kaprizov won the Gagarin Cup.

July 2020: Signed with Minnesota Wild

On 13 July 2020, Kirill Kaprizov signed a two-year, entry-level deal with the Minnesota Wild.

2020: Awarded KHL Championship

In 2020, Kirill Kaprizov and the CSKA team were awarded the title of KHL champions based on regular standings after the cancellation of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2021: NHL Debut

On 14 January 2021, Kaprizov made his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings, scoring three points, including the game-winning goal in overtime.

September 2021: Signed Five-Year Contract with the Wild

On 21 September 2021, Kaprizov signed a five-year, $45 million contract with the Minnesota Wild, becoming the highest-paid sophomore player in NHL history.

2021: Calder Memorial Trophy Winner

In 2021, Kirill Kaprizov won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL rookie of the year, becoming the first Minnesota Wild player to win the award.

April 2022: Broke Franchise Records

In April 2022, Kaprizov broke Marián Gáborík's franchise record for points and goals in a season.

2022: Started 2022-23 season with 8 goals in first 10 games

Unlike the 2021-22 season, Kaprizov began the 2022-23 season with 8 goals in the Wild’s first 10 games.

February 2024: Hat Tricks and Team Record

On 19 February 2024, Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek both scored hat tricks in the third period to lift the Wild 10–7 over the Vancouver Canucks, setting a new team record for most goals in a game.