from Dan Myers of the Minnesota Wild website,

Breathe, Wild fans. Kirill Kaprizov is locked up for the foreseeable future.

Minnesota's Calder Trophy winner, who led all NHL rookies in goals and points last season, signed a five-year, $45 million contract on Tuesday on the eve of NHL training camp, which begins Wednesday with media day and Thursday with on-ice practice.

Kaprizov won't be there for the first few days of camp, as he has a number of loose ends to tie up he'll be allowed on the ice at TRIA Rink. He's expected in the Twin Cities shortly, but he'll have quarantine and perhaps a COVID vaccination to take care of before he's able to practice.

But the bottom line is, when the Wild opens the regular season on Oct. 15 against the Anaheim Ducks, Kaprizov will be there.

Wild General Manager Bill Guerin never panicked this summer as questions about Kaprizov's status became louder and louder.

"It'll take care of itself," was Guerin's common refrain, from June and July, right on through to this past weekend, when Guerin was again asked for an update.

"I honestly have nothing new to tell you," Guerin said on Sunday. "I'd tell you, but I really don't have anything."

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