Is It Finally Time For Wild's Kirill Kaprizov To Compete For The Rocket Richard Trophy?

Kirill Kaprizov has been among the NHL's elite for quite some time, but he hasn't won any hardware since winning the Calder Trophy in 2020-21 as the best rookie.

Despite that, Kaprizov is widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the NHL, and his stats back it up. 

Kaprizov has scored at least 40 goals four times in his six-year NHL career. He's also recorded point totals of 108, 96 and 89. The only seasons he didn't hit at least 80 points were his shortened rookie season and two other seasons where he faced injuries. 

The 29-year-old is as consistent an offensive threat as you'll find in the NHL, and in 2026-27, it finally looks like Kaprizov can compete for some deserved hardware.

Through seven games, Kaprizov has scored an NHL-leading eight goals. He's also poured in 11 points, but that ranks him tied for eighth in the NHL and six points behind Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid, who is off to a historic start.

Kaprizov's strong goal-scoring start isn't surprising, as we've seen the Russian sniper go on runs like this before, but it's a positive sign that he is starting the season this way.

He's scored eight goals on 20 shots, a 40 percent shooting percentage. Those numbers are unsustainable, but no one expects Kaprizov to score above a goal-per-game pace.

The numbers that are intriguing, aside from the goal tallies, are what make Kaprizov's case to remain in the Rocket Richard Trophy case so strong.

According to Mike Kelly, Kaprizov ranks second in expected goals with 4.99, trailing only New York Rangers' Alexis Lafreniere. According to MoneyPuck.com, Kaprizov is tied for third in expected goals at 4.8.

According to NaturalStatTrick.com, Kaprizov has had seven high-danger chances and 16 scoring chances at 5-on-5. On the man advantage, he's had three high-danger chances and nine scoring chances.  

NHL EDGE ranks Kaprizov in the 94th percentile for shots from high-danger areas and the 76th percentile from the mid-range. 

By all accounts, Kaprizov has done everything in his power to put himself in good scoring situations and areas of the ice. 

Beyond Kaprizov's skill set and play in the first seven games of the season, another important element is Quinn Hughes's inclusion and playing alongside him for the full 2026-27 season. Of Kaprizov's eight goals, Hughes has assisted on three of them. 

His skating and puck control in the offensive zone create space for his linemates, and with Kaprizov's lethal one-timer, it's a dangerous partnership. 

Kaprizov has ranked in the top 10 in goals scored three times, but this season, could the chips finally fall into place and help him win the Rocket Richard Trophy?

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