Kirill Kaprizov’s Open Letter to the Minnesota Wild, Fans, and Community: From the moment I laced up my skates in Saint Paul and wore the Wild sweater, I knew I was stepping into something special. I felt the heartbeat of a city and state that lives and breathes hockey.
Thank you for believing in me before I even walked onto NHL ice. From the day I was drafted in 2015, the patience, hope, and unwavering love of this community inspired me to fight harder every day to earn my place in your hearts. When I eventually arrived in 2020, I didn’t simply join a squad; I became part of a family, one whose passion for the game is as strong as mine.
To my teammates and the Wild coaching staff, you have been more than just colleagues; you have been brothers and mentors. You challenged me, supported me, and celebrated each small triumph with me. Every goal, every victory, every difficult night—this team has stood together. That link has shaped me not only as a player, but also as an individual.
Thank you, Wild fans—the most passionate, loyal, and loudest crowd in the NHL. From sold-out Xcel Energy Center nights to innumerable placards, shirts, chants, and encouraging comments, your enthusiasm has fueled me more than you’ll ever know. You never gave up on us, even when things didn’t go our way, and that spirit stays with me every time I hit the ice.
Minnesota, you didn’t simply welcome a youngster from Novokuznetsk, Russia; you accepted me as one of your own. You gave me the freedom to grow, the confidence to lead, and the love that inspired me to offer everything I had back. I’ve felt that support not only in the arena, but also in the community, including schools, hospitals, and events where hockey is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.
I look to the future with renewed determination. I’m not finished—not by a long stretch. I want to bring back to this state what it truly deserves: a championship. And I’ll keep pushing, growing, and giving my all until my dream becomes a reality.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the greatest fans, community, and honor in my career. This is only the beginning.
I am forever grateful.
Kirill Kaprizov, left winger for the Minnesota Wild.