Dan Wallace: Kaprizov Comes as Advertised

Just having Kaprizov in a Wild sweater is great news. Then to hear Russo say he's really, really good...just icing on the cake. As for Parise not being named captain, I am fine with that. His time to be C came and went while Koivu was captain. His best years are behind him. Although I have never been the biggest fan of Spurgeon, for all the Minnesota love he gets, I see it as a good choice. Just kind of puts a little curveball in being able to trade him. Yes, I would still trade Spurgeon over Dumba.

Too bad Stalock is hurt right now, I know Gump was missing seeing him play. Not really sure what I am going to do about watching games though, as I am not going to get AT&T TV, as I already have Hulu. The company that owns FSN better figure something out, and fast!

I pretty much agree Gus, i'm fine with Parise not getting the "C", but in all honesty, who's a better veteran candidate outside of he or Suter? Does Parise care? I'm guessing he does, but i'm sure will make no issue over it... But is that the writing on the wall that Parise is not long for this squad?

I have always admired Spurgeon for his size and his game, but i just don't see him as team Captain material, alternate? Sure, but not THEE guy. I mean why not just give it to Kaprizov right from the git go? Sounds like he's going to be the future of this club, so just hand it to him now... i mean isn't that the "progressive" thing to do now days?...

Was it Russo or Russo who covered the practice?

Was it Russo or Russo who covered the practice?
- JMC1976

Russo.

And Gump, I'm not so sure you want to give Kaprizov the next KK just yet. hasn't even played a single game yet. But I do understand what you are getting at. But I am of the thought that both Parise and Suter might be the problems within the locker room for the Wild, hence keeping them at A, instead of a C. I just can't see anyone else, as the team sits right now, that you would want to give the C to. Spurgeon is basically one of the handful of players that has earned it...besides Suter and Parise.

Speaking of those 2, I just noticed something that I have never before. So those 2 came to Wild together, are good friends, have the same paycheck...but are so different stylistically on the ice. Watch Parise, he looks (and generally is) working his ass off as hard as he can every moment he is on the ice. But then you watch Suter, it appears as if he is just gliding through the game (though he isn't) and not really trying to hard.

I just find it find that the 2 elder statemen for the team who came to the Wild basically as a package together, appear so differently on the ice.

Yep, that is how both players have been characterized throughout their careers... The MO on Parise is a non stop work horse who never quits on any play... Suter just the opposite really, he's always had that laid back almost "lackadaisical" style of play even though i think he's working hard, it's just his style that appears soft and almost care free. I think Suter just doesn't make many mistakes in his play and that's what allows him to set a slower looking pace.