Kirill Kaprizov Becomes Minnesota Wild’s All-Time Leading Goal Scorer

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Kirill Kaprizov has etched his name into Minnesota Wild franchise history, surpassing Marian Gaborik to become the team’s all-time leading goal scorer. Kaprizov achieved this milestone with a goal in the Wild’s 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Grand Casino Arena.

A New Record: 220 Goals and Counting

Kaprizov’s goal, his 220th career NHL goal, broke the previous record of 219 goals held by Marian Gaborik since 2009. The goal came in the third period, sealing the win against the Lightning. The Pioneer Press reported that Kaprizov scored into an empty net at 16:41 of the third period.

Kaprizov’s Journey to the Top

Kaprizov, drafted by Minnesota in the 5th round of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft (135th overall), debuted in the professional league in the 2020-2021 season. He quickly ascended to become an NHL superstar and a key player for the Wild. He currently has 34 goals in 61 games this season, along with 40 assists and 74 points. The Hockey News details his impressive stats for the current season.

Gaborik’s Congratulatory Message

Marian Gaborik offered his congratulations to Kaprizov via a video message on the X social platform. “Big congratulations on breaking my record. Finally, there was someone who could do it. I had no doubt that you would do it Kirill. I wish you many more goals, points and especially winning matches. The fans love you and your teammates respect you. I believe that you will too win the Stanley Cup together. Proceed Wild!”

Statistical Dominance

Kaprizov’s impact extends beyond just total goals. He is currently fourth in the number of goals in power plays (77) and fifth in total shots. He also boasts an average of 1.21 points per game, the highest in Wild franchise history, surpassing Mikko Koivu’s average of 0.69 points per game. NHL.com highlights his statistical achievements.

Wild’s Victory Over Lightning

The Wild’s 5-1 win over the Lightning was a strong team performance, with contributions from Quinn Hughes, Brock Faber, and Mats Zuccarello, alongside Matt Boldy’s three assists. Filip Gustavsson made 24 saves in goal for the Wild. The Lightning have now lost three consecutive games.

Looking Ahead

Kaprizov’s achievement marks a significant moment for the Minnesota Wild and its fans. With his continued success, the team hopes to contend for the Stanley Cup. Kaprizov, still, remains focused on the future, stating, “It’s always nice to break some records…but I don’t think about it anymore. Just need to keep going.”