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Minnesota Says Farewell to Nikita Kucherov

When the Minnesota Wild acquired star winger Nikita Kucherov two seasons ago it signaled to the rest of league that they were serious about becoming Cup contenders. While some of his counting stats did not reach their previous lofty totals, Kucherov made an instant impact, buying completely into the team game that made the Wild so effect. He won the All-Star game MVP in his first season with the club, but his crowning achievement was leading the Wild to victory in its first ever Stanley Cup appearance. Kucherov and goaltender John Gibson were acquired at the same time and both were key contributors in bringing home the Cup and creating a lifelong bond with Minnesota. A series of unfortunate events has led to his earlier than anticipated departure from the club, but he will forever be in the hearts of Wild fans everywhere.

Thank you Nikita!

With Love,

The State of Hockey