The NHL rumor mill is abuzz with the latest whisper: Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov is reportedly intrigued by the idea of joining the Chicago Blackhawks when his contract expires in 2026.
Mark Lazerus of The Athletic, speaking on his podcast, revealed that the Blackhawks see Kaprizov “as a potential big add” in two years when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The allure of playing alongside Connor Bedard and contending for a Stanley Cup in the Windy City is a vision that clearly resonates with the talented Russian winger.
Kaprizov’s Vision: Connor Bedard, Stanley Cups, and Chicago
From my perspective, this rumor has legs. Kaprizov, despite his undeniable talent, hasn’t experienced the deep playoff runs in Minnesota that a player of his caliber deserves. The Blackhawks, on the other hand, are building towards a bright future with Bedard as their cornerstone. The prospect of adding a dynamic scorer like Kaprizov to the mix could accelerate their return to Stanley Cup contention.
However, the Blackhawks won’t be the only team vying for Kaprizov’s services in 2026. He’s a bona fide superstar, and any team with cap space and championship aspirations will be lining up to make their pitch. The price tag will be hefty too; expect Kaprizov to command an AAV in the $12 million range.
For the Blackhawks, landing Kaprizov would be a major coup. He’s the type of player who can elevate a team’s offense and inject excitement into the fanbase. But it won’t be easy. They’ll need to navigate the complexities of the salary cap, fend off competition from other suitors, and convince Kaprizov that Chicago is the best place to achieve his hockey dreams.
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