Minnesota Wild fans are all too familiar with the struggle of getting Russian players to North America.
They had to wait years for Kirill Kaprizov to finally make his way to the NHL, despite everyone knowing he was talented enough to excel there. The current political climate affecting relationships between the two leagues could make matters even more difficult. You can understand why there was trepidation, then, when the Wild picked Danila Yurov 24th overall last year.
After spending the full 2022-23 season in the KHL, the 19-year-old forward has re-signed with Magnitogorsk. Michael Russo of The Athletic reports it is just a one-year extension, however, which is rather unusual for young players and potentially good news for the Wild. That means Yurov’s deal will expire at the end of 2023-24, and provide him with another opportunity to come to Minnesota if he feels that’s best for his development.
This season, Yurov averaged just over eight minutes a game during the regular season and even less in the playoffs. While that’s not totally unusual for a young player just trying to break in, the KHL also has a habit of limiting the exposure for players they expect to leave Russia in the coming years. It is often only when a new contract is signed that they receive a boost in ice time.
Whether this new one-year deal will result in more playing time for Yurov isn’t clear, but the talented forward showed he could produce even in limited action. He had six goals and 12 points, and Metallurg outscored opponents 20-12 when he was on the ice. While Minnesota focuses on their current team and chasing a Stanley Cup, the front office will keep an eye on Yurov’s development overseas. He could be a significant piece should they be able to bring him over in the coming years.
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