Concerns continue to rise about the availability of Russian players for NHL teams next season. One player who has focused today due to several conflicting reports is Kirill Kaprizov, who Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin confirmed today that he is still in Russia despite rumors that he had returned to the United States. In response to reports this morning that Kaprizov is currently being sought in Russia for buying a fake military ID card five years ago, Guerin said:
Don’t press the panic button or anything like that. We’re just trying to gather information right now and find out if that’s credible.
Kaprizov is one of many players whose situations are in limbo, aggravated by the fact that his KHL rights are in the hands of CSKA Moscow, a Russian army team. Russo points out that in the past, CSKA players have been exempt from military service, but this is an informal, uncoded rule. In addition, Kaprizov’s exemption from compulsory military service through a scholarship to a Russian organization expired in late June. Very little is confirmed about the situation, but it is an important development that needs to be monitored during the low season regarding the availability of Kaprizov in the Wild next season.
- The Edmonton Oilers will have some clarity soon on the future game of defender Duncan Keith, who could decide to retire with one season remaining on his contract with a $ 5.54 million success. CEO Ken Holland noted that he had spoken to Keith twice in the past few weeks and that he had asked for a response this Saturday. This gives the Oilers a brief time window before free agency to work out Keith’s replacement plans if he retires. The 38-year-old defender would not apply any penalties to the Oilers if he chooses to call it a career.
- Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff reported today on injuries from a couple of important prospects for the Jets. Cole Perfetti, who suffered an upper body injury in mid-February, has just started skating again and is not allowed to compete in the 2022 Junior World Championships for the Canadian team. In addition, 2021 first-round player Chaz Lucius, who underwent ankle surgery after suffering a late-season injury with the University of Minnesota, will not participate for the United States.