On Wednesday night, the Minnesota Wild were sent packing to the golf course by the Colorado Avalanche.
While they technically achieved more in 2026 than they had in the last 11 years combined, it’s still a killer. Not many people predicted the Wild to overcome the Avalanche, the 2026 President’s Trophy-winning squad. However, the way in which they went out was severely disappointing for the State of Hockey.
The Avalanche would take care of the Wild in only 5 games, and will now face the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference Finals. The Knights overcame the young-and-fun Anaheim Ducks in 6 games.
Now that the Wild have been eliminated, some targets have been set on the play of Kirill Kaprizov.
Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Gets Fair Criticism After Round 2 Loss
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 29: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild waits for a faceoff in the first period of a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena on December 29, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Scott Rogust of FanSided provided some heavy criticism towards Kirill Kaprizov, the highest-paid hockey player in the universe.
“Fans of any team would never be happy to see their star player go without a shot on goal in a must-win game. For the Wild fanbase. it might sting even worse.
In overtime, the Wild had a two-on-one opportunity to score a goal. Kaprizov, instead of shooting the puck on net, decided to pass it across ice. The decision backfired, as the Avalanche quickly raced into Minnesota’s zone, and seconds later, Kulak buried a shot past Jesper Wallstedt for the win.”
Quite frankly, it’s unacceptable that Kaprizov registered 0 shots on goal in an elimination game. While he did register an assist in the game and is tied for 2nd in playoff points as of Friday morning, it doesn’t make up for the transparency in Game 5.
While the shot he had at the end of the game wasn’t an A+ opportunity, it still would’ve been a much better choice than trying to force a pass across the slot. The highest-paid players need to make the highest-pressure plays.
A Pivotal Offseason in the State of Hockey
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – FEBRUARY 26: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Minnesota Wild advances the puck against Valeri Nichushkin #13 of the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on February 26, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)
It’s going to be an interesting offseason for the Minnesota Wild. If things go well, an extension for Quinn Hughes will be in order.
There are also multiple names that the Wild need to make a decision on ahead of the 2027 season.
- Mats Zuccarello (UFA)
- Nick Foligno (UFA)
- Vladimir Tarasenko (UFA)
- Marcus Johansson (UFA)
- Bobby Brink (RFA)
- Michael McCarron (RFA)
- Carson Lambos (RFA)
- David Spacek (RFA)
There’s also more decisions to make for players under contract. Will the Wild find trade partners for names like Ryan Hartman or Filip Gustavsson? Do you continue to keep Jared Spurgeon around? Do you trust Jake Middleton to stay on the team after an ugly playoff performance?
The Minnesota Wild are also expected to make a real push for a potential 1st line center this offseason as well.
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