Kirill Kaprizov included in “most disappointing” '23 postseason performers

The Minnesota Wild are once again left picking up the pieces after failing to advance past the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2015 thanks to their loss to the rival Dallas Stars. 

And among the several disappearing acts that plagued the Wild in their doomed series against Dallas was forward Kirill Kaprizov, who was expected to build off his regular season campaign that saw him net 40 goals and earn a spot at the All-Star Game. Instead, the Russian forward managed only a single goal in the six games of the postseason, his only point of the series. 

And The Athleticwas sure to include him in their list of the most disappointing players that took part in the 2023 postseason.

"Another obvious pick, Kaprizov was held to just one goal against Dallas. Like (Artemi) Panarin, he got all his production out of the way in the opening period of the first game. He wasn’t the only Wild disappointment, but he’s the biggest star on the team by a mile. You just wouldn’t have known it from watching the series. Kaprizov isn’t just an easy call for our 2023 team, he’s going to be our captain."

Kaprizov has three more years remaining on his current contract that sees him earn an AAV of $9 million. If the Wild are to ditch their reputation that's plagued them for years as postseason underachievers, then they'll simply need more from their top offensive players - and that group is led by Kaprizov.