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 player currently playing left wing and serving as an 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 won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year in 2021, marking the first time a Wild player has received this honor. He is known by the nickname "Kirill the Thrill."

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1993: Calder Memorial Trophy Awarded

In 2021, Kirill Kaprizov was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year, receiving 99 out of 100 first place votes, the highest percentage since Teemu Selänne in 1993.

2000: Franchise Record Broken

On April 19, 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: Professional Career Begins

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

2014: KHL Junior Draft

In 2014, Kirill Kaprizov was drafted first overall in the KHL Junior Draft.

2014: Wild Scouting

In 2014, the Minnesota Wild's scouting department became aware of Kaprizov when smog from the California wildfires delayed their flight, allowing them to scout one of his games for Metallurg Novokuznetsk.

August 2015: Contract Extension

On August 21, 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: Trade to Salavat Yulaev Ufa

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

2016: KHL All-Star Game Selection

In 2016, Kirill Kaprizov was selected to the KHL All-Star Game. This marked the first of five consecutive selections, continuing through 2020.

2017: World Junior Championship

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

2017: Trade to CSKA Moscow

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

2018: Winter Olympics Gold Medal

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

2018: Gagarin Cup Finals

In 2018, Kaprizov played in the Gagarin Cup finals.

October 2019: 100th Career Goal

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

2019: Included the 2019-20 season in the deal

In 2019, Kaprizov signed a two-year entry-level deal with the Wild, including the 2019-20 season, though he would not play until the following 2020-21 season.

2019: IIHF World Championship Bronze

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

2019: Gagarin Cup Win

In 2019, Kirill Kaprizov won the Gagarin Cup.

July 2020: Signs with Minnesota Wild

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

2020: KHL Champion Title

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

January 2021: NHL Debut

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

September 2021: Signs $45 Million Contract

On September 21, 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

In 2021, Kaprizov won the Calder Memorial Trophy as NHL rookie of the year, marking the first time a Wild player received this award.

2021: Did not score until the 9th game of the season

Unlike the 2021-22 season in which he did not score until the 9th game of the season, Kaprizov began the 2022-23 season with 8 goals in the Wild’s first 10 games.

April 2022: Breaks Franchise Record

In April 2022, Kaprizov broke Marián Gáborík's franchise record for points and goals in a season, with 84 points and 43 goals, respectively.

2022: Did not score until the 9th game of the season

Unlike the 2021-22 season in which he did not score until the 9th game of the season, Kaprizov began the 2022-23 season with 8 goals in the Wild’s first 10 games.

February 2024: Hat Tricks Against Canucks

On February 19, 2024, Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek both scored hat tricks in the third period, leading the Wild to a 10–7 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The team set a new record for most goals in a game and matched the franchise record for points in a game.