Each Friday, NHL.com’s director and senior fantasy editor Pete Jensen provides an overview of the latest trends and insights in the League, using NHL EDGE puck and player tracker statistics. Today, he examines the exceptional start to the season for Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov.
Kirill Kaprizov, already considered one of the NHL’s premier talents, has elevated his game to new heights early in the season, positioning himself as a serious Hart Trophy contender. His outstanding performance, backed by impressive advanced metrics, has him leading the charge for the Minnesota Wild in what could be a breakthrough year.
Kaprizov currently leads the NHL in points per game (1.85) and even-strength points (17). He ranks second in total points with 24 through 13 games, just behind Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon, last season’s Hart Trophy winner. He also sits third in assists with 17, trailing MacKinnon (19) and his Colorado teammate Cale Makar (18).
According to NHL EDGE stats, Kaprizov ranks among the League’s best in several categories. He’s in the 94th percentile for total skating distance at even strength (39.46 miles) and the 98th percentile on the power play (8.19 miles). His top shot speed is 91.58 mph, placing him in the 85th percentile, and his offensive zone time percentage at all strengths is 45.8%, which ranks in the 91st percentile.
The Wild, who missed the playoffs last season, are currently leading the NHL in 5-on-5 shooting plus save percentage (104.3), a statistic that can sometimes indicate an unsustainable hot streak. Despite ranking middle-of-the-pack in shot attempts percentage (49.6%; 18th overall), the Wild’s goaltender, Filip Gustavsson, has been solid, tying for fifth in wins (six in nine games) and ranking ninth in save percentage (.917). If their early success continues, Kaprizov could easily be a Hart Trophy finalist, with a legitimate chance to win, especially if he helps propel Minnesota into the playoffs.
Kaprizov’s past accomplishments — including three 40-goal seasons (his career high is 47 in 2021-22) and two seasons of 90+ points (career-high 108 in 2021-22) — further solidify his case for not only the Hart Trophy but also the Art Ross (for leading the League in points) and Maurice Richard (for leading in goals) trophies. His shooting percentage so far this season is 19.4%, just above his career average of 16.4%.
Kaprizov has developed strong chemistry with his wingman Mats Zuccarello, who also boasts impressive EDGE stats, such as a 45.1% offensive zone time percentage (87th percentile), three high-danger goals (88th percentile), and an average shot speed of 65.78 mph (80th percentile). Together, they form one of the most dangerous duos in the League.
While Kaprizov is undeniably the Wild’s best player, he’s also benefitting from a rising crop of young talent. Center Marco Rossi, playing alongside Kaprizov frequently, is off to a breakout start with 11 points in 13 games and ranks highly in high-danger shots (11; 85th percentile). Matt Boldy, who often plays on a separate line, is producing more than a point per game, with 15 points in 13 games, and ranks just outside the top 10 in goals (eight) and shots on goal (49; 13th in the League). Boldy also leads the Wild in shots, ahead of Kaprizov’s 36, and has scored four power-play goals, tying for third-most in the League.
Center Joel Eriksson Ek, despite missing two games due to injury, is playing alongside Boldy on the second line and contributing on the power play with Kaprizov and Zuccarello. He’s tied with Rossi for high-danger shots on goal and ranks in the 96th percentile for midrange goals (three).
On defense, the Wild have a solid backbone with veterans Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin, as well as rising star Brock Faber, a finalist for last season’s Calder Trophy. The team’s strong defensive play has been a crucial factor in their early success. Kaprizov also leads the Wild in shot attempts differential (plus-28), just behind Spurgeon (plus-30), highlighting the importance of the defense’s recent return to form.
As Kaprizov enters the prime of his career with a new contract on the horizon (he becomes a potential unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season), his stellar performance this season is pushing him into the conversation as one of hockey’s elite players, and he is well on his way to solidifying his place as a Hart Trophy contender. If he continues to deliver at this level, Kaprizov could very well lead the Wild back to playoff contention and make his case for one of the League’s highest individual honors.
