The Minnesota Wild are on fire this season, and a large part of that success is due to the stellar play of Kirill Kaprizov. The dynamic winger is currently battling Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL scoring lead and is on pace for a staggering 130-point season. With Kaprizov’s current contract expiring in 2026, Wild owner Craig Leipold has made it clear that securing Kaprizov’s long-term future in Minnesota is a top priority in the offseason.
Leipold recently expressed his admiration for Kaprizov’s performance, stating, “Kirill Kaprizov is having a dynamite year, and I think now everyone in the NHL is seeing what we’ve been seeing all along.” This statement underscores the Wild’s commitment to building their franchise around the electrifying Russian forward.
Kaprizov’s current 5-year, $45 million contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $9 million. However, given his exceptional performance and potential, it’s widely anticipated that his next contract will command a significant raise.
What Will Kirill Kaprizov’s Next Contract Look Like?
With the salary cap expected to rise, Kaprizov could be looking at an AAV in the $14 million range, especially if he maintains his current scoring pace. Leipold acknowledged the importance of the salary cap in their negotiations, stating, “We’ve got to figure out exactly what the cap’s going to be. It’s an important part of our strategic plan to get him signed for as long as we can.”
This suggests that the Wild are prepared to make a substantial financial commitment to keep Kaprizov in Minnesota. They understand that he is a cornerstone player who can lead them to Stanley Cup contention for years to come.
The Wild have a window to negotiate an eight-year extension with Kaprizov starting July 1st. If they are unable to reach an agreement this summer, expect the rumor mill to go into overdrive next season as Kaprizov enters the final year of his current deal.
A long-term contract for Kaprizov would not only secure a key piece of their offensive core but also send a strong message to the rest of the league that the Wild are serious contenders. The pressure is on for Leipold and General Manager Bill Guerin to get a deal done. The future of the franchise may depend on it.
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