5 hockey players who will be your new NHL favorites after the Olympics

3. Kirill Kaprizov — Russia

The Minnesota Wild had not drafted a Russia player since 2003 before they drafted Kirill Kaprizov in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft. Kaprizov was once drafted first overall in the KHL Draft but fell in the NHL draft because of his lack of size and the fear he might not come to the NHL right away. Despite being undersized (5-foot-10 and 185 pounds), Kaprizov is highly skilled. Kaprizov is a strong skater, with good hands and vision that allows him to make great passes, and is an accurate shooter.

Two years after being drafted, Kaprizov is considered Minnesota’s top prospect, and was named best forward at the 2017 World Junior Championship. He also broke Evgeny Kuznetsov’s KHL record for most points in a season by a player under-20. The only problem for Wild fans is Kaprizov signed an extension with CSKA Moscow until 2020. Minnesota will have to wait at least two more seasons until Kaprizov comes to North America.

Kaprizov has twice been named a KHL All-Star, scoring 20 goals and recording 42 points last season with Ufa Salavat Yulayev. This season with CSKA Moscow, Kaprizov has scored 15 goals and again broke the 40-point barrier. During the Olympics, Kaprizov will likely slot in on one of Russia’s top two lines and could receive playing time on the power-play.