From protege to mentor: Kirill Kaprizov embraces young Wild line — and the nuclear option

Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov has embraced a mentorship role alongside young forwards Danila Yurov and Max Shabanov. In the Wild's 3-1 season-opening victory over the Nashville Predators, the 29-year-old winger led the newly formed unit while displaying patience as the trio builds chemistry on the ice.

Wild head coach John Hynes also utilized a high-impact combination by deploying Kaprizov alongside Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy in key offensive situations. That loaded line capitalized in the third period when Kaprizov scored to seal the victory against Nashville.