Kaprizov’s return to the State of Hockey comes five weeks before he originally intended. But after alarming reports emerged in the past month that he allegedly purchased a fake military ID card in 2017 and, regardless, had his military exemption expire June 30, the Wild, his agent and attorneys in Russia worked hard behind the scenes to get him over to the United States well in advance of the start of training camp Sept. 22.

The allegations that Kaprizov bought a fraudulent military ID card appear to have largely been refuted. Kaprizov is a student of the Russian Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, which allows him to defer his military obligations. But it’s unclear if Kaprizov was able to exit Russia because the Wild got him his U.S. work visa or if his representatives were able to get him another military deferment in Russia.

Nevertheless, Kaprizov was caught up in a chilling political game over which the Wild had little to no control over his future. Wild owner Craig Leipold and general manager Bill Guerin both said publicly they would remain nervous until Kaprizov was back safely in the United States.

Once it was determined that Kaprizov was able to leave Russia, the Wild implored him to leave now rather than wait any longer.

Kaprizov was denied entry to the United States last month by way of Dubai and the Wild were dismayed when Kaprizov panicked and decided to return to Russia rather than sit tight and wait for further clarity. But now sources say he’s on U.S. soil and will continue his on- and off-ice training in Minnesota in preparation for the start of the 2022-23 season.