Concerns continue to grow about the availability of Russian players for NHL teams next season. One player who has come into the spotlight today due to various conflicting reports is Kirill Kaprizov, who Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin confirmed today is still in Russia despite rumors that he has returned to the United States. Responding to reports this morning that Kaprizov is currently wanted in Russia for purchasing a fake military ID card five years ago, Guerin said the following:
We’re not going to hit the panic button or anything like that. We’re just trying to gather information right now and find out if this is even credible.
Kaprizov is one of a number of players whose situations are in limbo, exacerbated by the fact that their KHL rights are held by CSKA Moscow, a team owned by the Russian military. Russo notes that CSKA players have been exempt from military service in the past, but this is an unofficial and uncodified rule. In addition, Kaprizov’s exemption from compulsory military service through studentship at a Russian organization expired at the end of June. Very little has been confirmed about the situation, but it’s a significant development to watch over the course of the offseason as it relates to Kaprizov’s availability for the Wild next season.
- The Edmonton Oilers will soon get some clarity on the playing future of defenseman Duncan Keith, who could potentially opt to retire with one season remaining on his $5.54 million cap hit contract. General manager Ken Holland noted that he has spoken with Keith twice in the past few weeks and that he has asked for a response by this Saturday. That gives the Oilers a short window of time before free agency to develop plans to replace Keith if he retires. The 38-year-old defenseman would not impose a limited penalty on the Oilers if he decides to call it a career.
- Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff gave an injury update to two top Jets prospects. Cole Perfetti, who suffered an upper-body injury in mid-February, has just returned to skating and is not cleared to compete at the 2022 World Junior Championships for Team Canada. Additionally, 2021 first-rounder Chaz Lucius, who underwent ankle surgery after suffering a season-ending injury with the University of Minnesota, will not play for the United States.
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