Sophomore slumps, surges: Second-year updates on Kaprizov, Robertson, more

If there’s such thing as a “sophomore slump,” then second-year stars Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson sure seem immune to that affliction.

Maybe that’s because the 2020-21 NHL season pumped out quite a few high-level rookie years.

Again, there was Kirill Kaprizov, who revolutionized the Wild on his way to a Calder Trophy win. Meanwhile, Calder Trophy runner-up Jason Robertson just recorded two hat tricks in a row.

So, this seems as good a time as any to follow up on strong rookie years, and note that few seem to have suffered that dreaded sophomore slump.

Note: stats recorded before Monday’s games.

All due respect to some other strong second-year players, but Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson warrant special attention.

If you caught Kaprizov most nights in 2020-21, you’d likely agree that he was no normal rookie.

Maybe it’s fitting, then, that he’s already getting paid like a star. During the offseason, Kaprizov signed a five-year, $45M contract ($9M cap hit). As one example, Jason Robertson’s carrying a mere $795,000 cap hit with the Stars.

While a $9M cap hit qualifies as a “good problem to have,” it only dropped more pressure on Kaprizov’s shoulders. Just think of how much a $9M price tag can be a burden for a more experienced player like Jeff Skinner.

That pressure might be too much for most. But, again, Kaprizov isn’t your normal player.

He’s already scored more goals (28 vs. 27) than last season, and blew his 51 points (in 55 games) away. So far this season, Kaprizov is in the top 10 in scoring with 70 points in 53 games.

Heading into this season, people wondered if Kaprizov would really be worth $9M to the Wild. Well, nope. He’s worth even more than that.

Back in September 2020, The Athletic’s Corey Pronman