NHL examines duos potentially overly reliant on each other
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 2:09 PM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
NHL analysis highlights three player duos that may depend too much on one another. The Minnesota Wild's decision to part ways with Mats Zuccarello stems from his synergy with Kirill Kaprizov, which reportedly hindered team dynamics. Additionally, partnerships such as Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith from the San Jose Sharks, as well as Cale Makar and Devon Toews of the Colorado Avalanche, show signs of mutual reliance on the ice. The Winnipeg Jets' Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor are also noted for their scoring dependence, potentially affecting team depth. Evaluating these relationships could shape off-season strategies and team compositions.
- •Minnesota Wild separates Mats Zuccarello and Kirill Kaprizov.
- •San Jose Sharks' Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith show mutual scoring dependency.
- •Cale Makar and Devon Toews' partnership evident during playoffs.
- •Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor lead Winnipeg Jets in scoring since 2019.
- 2:09 PMYahoo Sports — Three NHL Duos That Might Be Too Reliant On One Another
"Following a report from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman that the Minnesota Wild let Mats Zuccarello walk because he and Kirill Kaprizov were essentially too good together, we look at three other NHL duos that might be too reliant on one another.
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