Kirill Kaprizov didn't make it to the bubble in Edmonton, Alberta, but he arrived in Minnesota on Monday evening to begin getting acclimated to the Wild and Twin Cities after signing a two-year, entry-level contract last month ahead of his NHL debut next season.
"He's on his way, and he's going to stick around here for a little while," General Manager Bill Guerin said.
This is the 23-year-old Russian star's first time in the United States and only his second visit to North America.
Once he's done quarantining, the Wild plans to show him the area and possibly even help him find a home.
"Hopefully, some of the players are still around that we can introduce him to," Guerin said. "Just kind of let him get a feel of the place."
Even though Kaprizov's long-awaited addition to the Wild lineup should boost the team's skill, Guerin is managing expectations for the newcomer, who has to adapt to life in the NHL and a new country.
"We're all hoping he comes in and just lights the world on fire," Guerin said. "That's what we hope, but this is a very good league. It's the best league in the world with the best players in the world, and he hasn't played here yet. There's an adjustment period. So yeah, we don't want to put the weight of the world on his shoulders, and we're not going to.
"He's coming into a brand-new culture, a brand-new team, limited English, brand-new league. There could be some growing pains. Hopefully, it goes smooth. Hopefully. it goes great; I'm hoping for that. But it could take time as well."