Wild GM Guerin Not Surprised Kaprizov, Rossi Remain Unsigned

Wild star Kirill Kaprizov (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

In an exclusive 1-on-1 interview with RG, Minnesota Wild and USA Hockey general manager Bill Guerin touched on a variety of topics, including the Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi contracts, the make-up of his current roster, increased cap space, owner Craig Leopold, and the Olympics.

On the offseason so far:

“We’ve obviously made some changes, and I think we’ve gotten better,” Guerin told RG. “The additions of [Vladimir] Tarasenko and Nico Sturm have made us deeper. I know we’re still trying to extend Kirill [Kaprizov] and get Marco [Rossi] done, but none of what’s gone on with those two guys is surprising. So, overall, I feel like we’re in a good spot.”

On Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi contract talks:

“I don’t like to put really anything out in the public when it comes to negotiations, but no, there’s no real updates,” Guerin replied. “The talks have been pretty consistent, and I’ve been happy with them.”

*Guerin also stressed that reports that Rossi can’t be signed until Kaprisov gets signed are false. 

“The two are not connected. When we find a solution on one, we will do it.”

On how good it feels to be free of the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter cap space:

“Listen, I think we’ve been operating pretty effectively. …but yeah, it is pretty nice,” Guerin acknowledged. “It’s nice to have the flexibility; that’s it, but like I said, I think we’ve been operating pretty well without it, but it’s nice to just have more and be able to just get back in the game, so to speak. Free agency and, more so, trade deadline stuff were kind of frustrating to sit on the sidelines for that. Even though we got some stuff done, now we can get into bigger things because we’ll have more space.”

On the constant support from owner Craig Leopold to do whatever it’s going to take to win:

“Oh my God! Craig’s the best,” Guerin exclaimed. “I said it on the first day I got the job here, and I meant it; there’s everything in Minnesota to win here, and that comes from Craig. Look, it’s not just carte blanche, do whatever you want, but it is when it comes to players. He’s very generous and serious about winning.”

Are you satisfied with the depth up the middle right now?

“I like us there a lot right now, and really, I think we’re a good team overall,” Guerin replied. “Look, everybody thinks they’re a good team this time of year, but we know the truth is, you gotta go out and play the games. We need players to continue to get better, and our whole team needs to continue to make progress in who we are and what we are."

What defensemen are you really hoping can find their next level this season?

“I think [Brock] Faber definitely has another level,” Guerin said. “And then we got the two young guys in [Zeev] Buium and [David] Jiricek. We’re going to need those guys to come in and play well. They’re young, and we know there will be ups and downs, but we’re hoping they can come in and be impactful.”

How much did and will the Four Nations experience prepare you, the USA GM, for the Olympics?

“It was unbelievable,” Guerin said. “We got a look behind the curtain with those guys, so it was really great and will be really helpful. To say that our team there was all in and committed, that’s an understatement. Look, we were one goal away, and that’s what we gotta do is get over the hump at some point in time, but as for commitment to what we’re doing and playing as a team, and playing for our country, there’s no question this group is all in.”

Is there a real chance of players who didn’t play in the Four Nations having a solid chance to crack the Olympic roster?

“Absolutely, there is!” Guerin said emphatically. “We’re going to do the orientation camp and then go through the whole selection process again. Yes, there are already guys that were on the Four Nations team that are going to be on the Olympic team, and there might be a few guys that won’t be there.”