{
  "id": 12268628,
  "title": "Wild star Kirill Kaprizov sounds off on Alex Ovechkin’s retirement announcement",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/wild-star-kirill-kaprizov-sounds-off-on-alex-ovechkins-retirement",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-06T00:54:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wild-star-kirill-kaprizov-sounds-005447290.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent statement, Kirill Kaprizov, a star player for the Minnesota Wild, commented on the impending retirement of Alex Ovechkin, a hockey legend. Ovechkin shocked the NHL when he announced his retirement at the end of the current season. Known as \"Ovi,\" Ovechkin has played 22 seasons in the NHL, a remarkable run that saw him play alongside a generation of younger players who grew up watching him. Kaprizov, also from Russia, would have been just eight years old when Ovi made his debut in the NHL.\n\nBoth players have had a significant connection, having played together in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and sharing a line during informal summer sessions with Russia. Despite their age difference, the two have developed a close friendship over the years. Kaprizov has copied Ovi's actions, such as lacing his skates with yellow laces, which Ovi is known for. Furthermore, Kaprizov wore an Ovechkin jersey during the 2022 NHL All-Star Breakaway Challenge, honoring the Russian legend.\n\nKaprizov's playing style has been heavily influenced by Ovechkin, evident in his goal-scoring ability. With 230 goals in his 397 NHL games, Kaprizov maintains a goal-scoring pace of .58 goals per game, closely matching Ovi's rate of .59 goals per game. However, to surpass Ovechkin's goal tally of 699, Kaprizov would need to score an additional 469 goals, a feat that seems unlikely considering Ovi's ongoing career. The two Russian stars will have the chance to express their appreciation for each other in person when the Wild visit the Capitals on November 1, and the Capitals return the favor on March 7.",
  "summary": "Alex Ovechkin sent shockwaves through the NHL world on Monday. Ovechkin announced that he will be retiring at the end of the season. Ovi has played 22 seasons in the NHL, playing long enough that current NHL stars grew up watching him. Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov would be one of those players. Kaprizov, who is also from Russia, would have […] The post Wild star Kirill Kaprizov sounds off…",
  "key_points": [
    "Kirill Kaprizov comments on Alex Ovechkin's retirement.",
    "Ovechkin announced retirement after 22 NHL seasons.",
    "Kaprizov and Ovechkin have strong friendship and playing history."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kirill Kaprizov's comments on Alex Ovechkin's retirement underscore the passing of a torch between generations of Russian hockey stars, with Kaprizov's own playing style and career influenced by Ovechkin's legacy.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}