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Being here from the get-go has been helpful in learning the team’s system, ironing out the details and working on his conditioning. The penalty kill will be one of his responsibilities, but Khusnutdinov also wants to contribute more offense. Two seasons ago, he had 11 goals and 30 assists, becoming the youngest player to hit 50 career points with SKA St. Petersburg — which is the same KHL team Artemi Panarin and Vladimir Tarasenko suited up for before launching their NHL careers.
“He looks great out there,” alternate captain Marcus Foligno said. “He’s just more comfortable as to what he needs to bring to the team and what the team wants from him, too. When you come over, you’re going off of what you’ve done and you gotta understand the lay of the land with the team.
“I’m happy for him. I think he’s going to have a good season. To understand the role he has to play for this team and the way he has to play on an everyday basis, him being here the last couple months is going to help with that.”
With an apartment and perhaps his own car soon, Khusnutdinov has settled into life away from the Wild.
Maybe not coincidentally, he’s also set himself up to have a smooth return to the team.
“Last year is new for me. More speed,” Khusnutdinov said. “Now in training camp and all summer, more speed with NHL players, more practice. I think it’s good for this season.”
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