Wild rookie Danila Yurov learns quickly, could make Opening Night roster

Danila Yurov is playing hockey across the world from where he grew up in Russia, and that’s exactly how he looked when Yurov debuted at the Wild’s rookie showcase last month.

“He was a little bit like deer in headlights,” President of Hockey Operations Bill Guerin said.

But from that two-game primer ahead of training camp to the Wild’s last preseason game Friday night in Chicago, a 3-2 victory, Yurov has fit in more and more — so much so that it isn’t hard to envision him securing a spot in the opening-night lineup the Wild will ice next Thursday at St. Louis.

“You can see him getting comfortable and starting to actually play,” Guerin said. “He’s gotten better every day. He’s gotten better every game.”

The Wild’s evaluation of Yurov has been extensive.

He skated in every preseason game because the team knew he’d need the reps to learn the Wild’s style during his transition from the KHL where he played the past five seasons; Yurov signed a three-year, entry-level contract in May to finally join the Wild after getting drafted in the first round in 2022.

After starting at center, Yurov has recently moved to the wing, and that might better suit him and the team.

The trio was together in the comeback over the Blackhawks that was spearheaded by three power play goals in the second period, 26 saves by goaltender Filip Gustavsson and a 3-for-3 penalty kill.

Tarasenko converted on the power play first, then Eriksson Ek and finally Ryan Hartman on a second unit that included Yurov.

“He’s really come a long way,” Guerin said. “He’s smart. He plays good positional hockey. He’s picking up systems. He can contribute offensively. He’s headed in the right direction in my mind.”

At camp, Yurov has focused on his decision-making and competing for the puck.

“A lot of battles for puck. A lot of board battles,” he said with Tarasenko interpreting. “Guys are strong on puck, and I have to improve every day and keep up.”

Yurov, 21, recognizing that speaks to the maturity the Wild have detected in his game, and his awareness should serve him well as he continues to adapt.

“Now he understands how we want to play and what the games are like,” Hynes said. “But the competitiveness to win puck battles in the corners and in both ends of the rink, that’s another level for him.

“We’ve seen some things offensively. But if there’s a little bit more intensity in puck recoveries and forecheck situations where you can get in the offense longer, we might see some more offense come out.”

Not only was Yurov a 20-goal scorer two seasons ago when he won a KHL championship, but he broke Tarasenko’s record for most points in a KHL season for a player under the age of 21.

Still, the Wild won’t rush any of their young players into action if it’s not best for them.

Fortunately for Yurov and the Wild, he’s already making strides.