Minnesota Wild prospect Danila Yurov became the champion of the Gagarin Cup after the Metallurg team ultimately won in the final and took everything. The forward played a key role in the championship, which only increased our expectations to see him in the Wild sweater as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, reports say that won't happen until next year. According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, the Wild tried unsuccessfully to take the young Russian forward overseas. Now they just have to wait until next year.
“So far, the Wild have tried to sign him to no avail and are hopeful that he will sign a one-year extension with the KHL and return for the 2025-26 season.” We'll know in a few days if we can win a championship.'' His mindset has changed, but for now the Wild are counting on him a year from now. ” — The Athletic
It's unfortunate, but it's a blessing. Yurov's arrival now means a sudden influx of young talent looking to make NHL rosters, potentially competing for each other's positions.
Liam Ogren, Marat Kusnutdinov and Riley Hite are just a few of the forwards about to play their first NHL season, some of whom are expected to make the roster more than others. There are some, but when Yurov joins them, Wild suddenly appears. The AHL will need to have plenty of players looking to earn minimal NHL minutes.
Yurov could continue playing in the KHL, become the team's go-to offensive creator, gain experience playing center, and be ready to come here next year and contribute as a regular at the NHL level.
That's wild
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This past season was a bit strange, especially on the tactical side with a mid-season coaching change and other nonsense. Considering that and other circumstances, the Wild should have higher expectations for their top line in 2024-25. [Hockey Wilderness]
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Matt Boldy will be heading to the Czech Republic to represent Team USA at the IIHF World Championship next month. [The Hockey News]
I went off the road…
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How the first 17 games of the NHL playoffs will affect the rest of the postseason, and what we learned. [ESPN]
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William Nylander has not yet played for the Toronto Maple Leafs this postseason, reportedly due to a severe migraine. [Sportsnet]
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