History of Kirill Kaprizov in Timeline

Kirill Kaprizov is a Russian professional ice hockey player, currently a left winger and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. Prior to his NHL career, he played in the KHL for teams including Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, and CSKA Moscow. Kaprizov distinguished himself by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2021, marking the first time a Wild player received this honor for NHL rookie of the year. He is known by the nickname "Kirill the Thrill" among fans.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1992: First Gold Since 1992

In 2018, Kirill 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.

1993: Highest Percentage Since Teemu Selanne

In 2021, When Kirill Kaprizov was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy he received 99 out of 100 first place votes, the highest percentage since Teemu Selänne in 1993.

2000: Broke Franchise Record

On April 19, Kirill 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: Began Professional Career

In 2014, Kirill Kaprizov began his professional career with the Metallurg Novokuznetsk senior team after progressing through their hockey school and junior team.

2014: Drafted into KHL

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

2014: Smog From Wildfires Led to Scouting

In 2014, smog from California wildfires delayed the Minnesota Wild's scouting department's flight home from Russia, allowing them to scout Kirill Kaprizov in a Metallurg Novokuznetsk game.

August 2015: Signed Contract Extension

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

2015: Drafted by Minnesota Wild

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

May 2016: Traded to Salavat Yulaev Ufa

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

2017: Traded to CSKA Moscow

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

2018: Won Olympic Gold Medal

In 2018, Kirill Kaprizov was the youngest player on the Olympic Athletes from Russia team that won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics. He scored the golden goal in overtime of the final match against Germany.

October 2019: Scored 100th KHL Goal

In October 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: Won Gagarin Cup

In 2019, Kirill Kaprizov won the Gagarin Cup with CSKA Moscow after playing in the finals in 2018 and 2019.

July 2020: Signed with Minnesota Wild

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

2020: Awarded KHL Championship

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

January 2021: NHL Debut

On January 14, 2021, Kirill Kaprizov made his NHL debut against the Los Angeles Kings, scoring three points, including the game-winning goal in overtime, making him the first player in NHL history to achieve this feat in his debut.

September 2021: Signed 5-Year Contract with Wild

In September 2021, Kirill 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 Win

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 Record for Points and Goals

In April 2022, Kirill Kaprizov broke Marián Gáborík's franchise record for points and goals in a season, finishing with 47 goals, 61 assists, and 108 points.

July 2022: Fraudulent Military ID Allegations

In July 2022, Russian media outlets reported that Kirill Kaprizov was wanted in Russia for allegedly purchasing a fraudulent military identity card in 2017 to evade mandatory military service, allegations which his father denied. Following these reports, Kaprizov unsuccessfully attempted to travel to the United States twice.

February 2024: Hat Tricks and Team Record

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