“I study at the university, there are no questions about the army.” Interview with a hockey player chosen by the Kaprizov club

Recall that three Russians were selected in the first round of the repechage. Defender Pavel Mintyukov (#10) hit Anaheim Ducks, forward Ivan Miroshnichenko (#20) – at Washington Capitals, forward Danila Yurov (#24) at the Minnesota Wild.

— Danila, how are you feeling after the repechage?

— It was a hard day. It’s hard to sit and wait to be chosen. The emotions are indescribable. Especially when you go on stage – you experience such happiness that it will be remembered for a lifetime. And I was very worried.

“And how did you get to Montreal from Russia?” After all, it was possible not to come to the repechage.

I started thinking about it in March. They looked at the tickets and said the flight would be very expensive. I replied that I didn’t care and that I would go anyway. In the draft, you are chosen once in your life. And nothing will stop me. I traveled from Chelyabinsk to Moscow, then to Istanbul, and from there to Montreal.

– Did you come to the physical tests (Combine)?

— No, it took place at the beginning of June. I did not go. It’s difficult to make two round trips a month, while managing to prepare for the season.

– But by zoom, you probably had a lot of interviews.

Yes, I have spoken to more than half of the clubs in the league. What was the most unusual interview question? Well, they didn’t ask me where I’m going to raise $10. So nothing to brag about. All the questions were normal, they didn’t particularly sink into memory.

– Many thought you would be chosen higher. Did the “Russian factor” play a role?

– I do not know. I spoke with the Minnesota general manager in the morning, and he said, “If you’re staying for our 24th peak, we’re ready to pick you up.” That’s how it happened.

– Minnesota is the club of Kirill Kaprizov. Is it nice to be in a team that many support in Russia?

Yes, that’s a big plus. Many people know this team, they follow it. And once there, it will be easier to understand the whole atmosphere.

– Kaprizov himself did not call with congratulations?

– Not yet. Now in Moscow only seven in the morning. He must sleep.

— What are your career plans?

– I have a contract with Metallurg for one more year. Therefore, all thoughts are connected with Magnitogorsk. Now I will go back to Russia and prepare for the season. It must be done very well. And then decide what to do. But now my head and my heart are in Magnitogorsk.

– Yes, especially since you have well-trained hockey stars, starting with Evgeni Malkin.

– Of course, Magnitogorsk is one of the most hockey cities in Russia. People worry, root for Magnitogorsk. There is a good school, all the conditions are created. Hence this result.

– Does Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin have plans for you?

Yes, we talked two or three times a day. He expressed his support and said Minnesota would contact me. The club will watch my matches and say what to add, how to become better. I think I entered the right organization.

– Did you and NHL clubs become tense with the subject of the army, in which Ivan Fedotov was taken?

– They asked me about it. But I told everyone that I was studying in a pedagogical college. And while students in Russia have a deferment from the army to study. Then they said to me, “Well, that’s it, there are no questions.”

– What does the draft itself mean to you that you were selected for Minnesota?

— Of course, the draft gives you inspiration. Now I know in the NHL I belong to the Minnesota Wild. I always know that they expect a good match from me. And it is very important to show yourself well in Russia. It’s a powerful incentive to keep working and growing. If I can reach a new level in the KHL, it will be a good boost in my career. And then it will be possible to come to Minnesota when the time comes. There’s a huge motivation to get to the top – step by step, to be one of the best in hockey.