Wild’s Marat Khusnutdinov feeling comfortable in Minnesota after quick introduction last season

Kirill Kaprizov might start seeing less of his Wild teammate Marat Khusnutdinov.

After relying on his countryman Kaprizov to give him rides to the rink, Khusnutdinov planned to go for a driving test on Tuesday to get his license, then rent his own vehicle.

“In Russia, I have a car last four years,” said Khusnutdinov, confident in his readiness. “I think it’s same.”

Since he signed with the Wild earlier this year to begin his NHL career, Khusnutdinov has been adjusting to America.

Aside from a month back in Russia where he finished his university education, he spent the offseason in Minnesota. The 22-year-old has an apartment in Minneapolis, in a walkable area. During the “hot summer,” Khusnutdinov trained, golfed and went fishing (albeit without making a catch).

“I tried,” he said with a laugh.

More change could be on the horizon for Khusnutdinov.

Equipped with the experience he gained from last season’s short stint, Khusnutdinov has a chance to become more of a factor for the Wild as the center vies to have an impact all over the ice.

“I can play better,” he said.

An intriguing prospect after the Wild drafted him with an early second-round pick in 2020, Khusnutdinov played in the KHL until finally signing with the Wild in February.

He made his NHL debut a few weeks later, appearing in the Wild’s final 16 games while scoring his first goal and adding three assists. Khusnutdinov previewed the versatility and 200-foot IQ that made him effective in Russia’s top league, but he was also adjusting to a different environment on the fly.

“He’s a really smart kid,” coach John Hynes said. “He’s like, ‘I gotta get quicker and faster and my legs. Everything’s more combative and competitive, less time and space.’

“He did a really good job training for that this summer, and now I think he feels more comfortable.”

This is Khusnutdinov’s first training camp with the Wild, and he’s penciled in to skate in his first preseason game Wednesday night at Dallas.

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.”

And enjoyable.

“I play 18 years, every day come to the rink,” Khusnutdinov said. “It’s a good time with guys, with teammates.”