Zucc-Laine would be a fun duo. Can’t see the Wild trading Khusnutdinov and risk pissing Kaprizov off.

Not sure if they are that close or if media has made it seem that way based on simple fact that they are both Russian. Either way, the number of PP assists available for KK97 in this scenario would probably make any loss of a fellow Russian more palatable. And with Yurov coming the “young Russian buddy” might be able to be filled soon anyway.

I am not familiar with the inner workings of the Wild? Is there a strong connection between this prospect and Kaprizov? I know here in Columbus we have alot of young Russians who spend alot of time together and have a cute little bond going on. I wish I can say more about this trade proposal but the basic structure is something I think CBJ fans would like in the perfect offseason and that is getting rid of Elvis and bringing in an older 1B goalie for 1-2 years to let our young Russian goalie see if he can "be the guy" while our other premium goalie prospect tear it up in the AHL for another year or so. Obviously on our part we would need to get rid of Elvis first to even consider this.

Hey, welcome to the Laine discussion, Minnesota!

I think that works for Columbus. Like @Indy said, it would be contingent on either moving or buying out Elvis, but that's likely to happen anyway. I like the basis.

If you want us to retain something like $1-1.5M, we can do that if you drop the 4th. My guess is CBJ are okay with retaining up to $2M.

While the media may have played it up a bit, the quotes they've released that have directly come from both Kaprizov and Khusnutdinov make it clear that they are pretty close.

1) They were in constant contact prior to Khusnutdinov coming over.

2) Kaprizov has stated that he felt it was important to take Marat under his wing and followed through on it. Meanwhile Marat has been saying that Kap not only took him under his wing but is letting him stay with him while he finds a place of his own.

So in short. They're pretty close.

Sounds like then Kaprizov needs to be included in the trade :P. Lets hypothetically say Khusnutdinov does come over here he would be well taken care of I promise you that. Go look at some of the things Marchenko has been doing with the fans/social media. The guy is pure optimism/bubbly personality to the point its probably the only "fault" in his game (he's too nice). Like the guy is the locker room class clown. For example him and Chinakov "stole" a golf cart during a local fundraising tournament last year and pretty much goofed off so bad they became the story that day instead of the cause.