There’s been a lot of buzz lately about Kirill Kaprizov’s future with the Minnesota Wild. With his current contract expiring in 2026, rumors have swirled, linking him to teams like the Chicago Blackhawks. But Wild owner Craig Leipold isn’t sweating. He recently expressed unwavering confidence in the Wild’s ability to re-sign their star winger, and frankly, I think he has every reason to be optimistic.
Leipold’s confidence stems from a significant factor: the massive cap space the Wild will free up next summer. The buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter will finally drop from a combined $14.7 million to a mere $1.66 million. This financial flexibility gives the Wild ample room to maneuver and offer Kaprizov a lucrative, long-term deal that reflects his value to the franchise.
Leipold: “Nobody Will Offer More Money Than Us”
And Leipold didn’t mince words. “I will tell you nobody will offer more money than us, or longer,” he declared. This is a bold statement, but it speaks volumes about the Wild’s commitment to keeping Kaprizov in Minnesota.
Of course, money isn’t everything in professional sports. Players also want to win, and Kaprizov is no exception. Leipold acknowledged this, adding, “So all we have to do is prove to him that we want to win.” The Wild have a solid core of players, and with some strategic additions and a bit of luck, they could certainly become a legitimate contender in the coming years.
From my perspective, the Wild have a strong case to keep Kaprizov. They can offer him a competitive salary, a long-term commitment, and a chance to be a key piece of a winning team. While other teams may try to lure him away, I believe the Wild have the inside track.
Kaprizov has blossomed into a true superstar in Minnesota. His dynamic offensive skills and infectious energy have made him a fan favorite. Losing him would be a devastating blow to the franchise. But with Leipold’s determination and the Wild’s promising future, I predict Kaprizov will be donning a Wild jersey for many years to come.
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