The Minnesota Wild are preparing for the 2025-26 season. They have high playoff hopes, and they believe they have the team to make a run. However, a bit of a preseason bombshell dropped on Wednesday involving franchise star Kirill Kaprizov.
Kaprizov reportedly turned down a historic contract offer, according to NHL insider Frank Seravalli. The Wild offered the superstar forward an eight-year, $128 million contract, according to this report. It would have made him the highest-paid player in NHL history.
Kaprizov is signed through the 2025-26 NHL season. However, he becomes a free agent on July 1, 2026. He would be one of the best players on the market. In fact, there’s a good chance he would be the top free agent available.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin appeared on the 10,000 Takes Podcast on Wednesday. He was directly asked about this report from Seravalli. The Wild general manager, and former player, said he had no idea where this information came from.
“We can cut to the chase. Look, I don’t know where this stuff comes from,” Guerin said on the 10,000 Takes Podcast. “I know two things: that info didn’t come from us, and it didn’t come from Kirill’s agent. I don’t know where it came from.
“His agent and I have a very good relationship. We’re not gonna let things like this get in the way. I still think we’re in a really positive place with Kirill, and like I said, part of my role is to protect him. So we’re gonna let this go. We just move on.”
Bill Guerin Sends Message To Wild Fans
Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty ImagesThe Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov remain in contact about a new contract.
Guerin fielded more questions from the 10,000 Takes Podcast on Wednesday. But he also took time to address his fanbase. Wild fans love Kaprizov and certainly want him to return to the team. Minnesota’s general manager took time to reassure fans that he is working on getting this done.
“I don’t want our market to go into an all-out panic mode here,” Guerin said. “The most important thing to me is Kirill and not getting him put in a bad spot. We love him. He’s a wonderful guy. He’s an unbelievable player. And we want him.”
The team is committed to making this happen. There are certainly limitations in place that must be considered. But if Guerin and the Wild have their way, Kaprizov will sign a long-term contract in Minnesota.
What A Kirill Kaprizov Contract Could Look Like
Kaprizov is certainly going to make a lot of money on his next contract. He is the only player in Wild history to score 100+ points in a single season. He is fifth all-time in franchise history for points, and has a real chance of becoming the team’s all-time leading goal scorer this season.
At this time, Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl is the highest-paid player in the league. It’s hard to see Kaprizov making more than the Oilers star. However, the $14 million cap hit isn’t entirely out of the question. Especially if he has another elite season in 2025-26.
If the Wild need to go higher, there is a limit to how much they can pay him. Players can make up to 20% of the salary cap, according to PuckPedia. This would make the maximum cap hit $20.8 million, as the contract would kick in for the 2026-27 season.
There are a number of scenarios at play. The Wild could work out a short or long-term agreement with a few different structures. It will certainly be interesting to see what the final contract looks like, if the two sides can agree to terms.
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