Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold has expressed strong confidence regarding the contract future of star player Kirill Kaprizov. Leipold stated his expectation that Kaprizov will sign an extension with the team, thus avoiding free agency next summer. These remarks were made during a Wednesday event where the new name for the Wild`s home arena was unveiled.
“I just don’t feel like we’re that far off,”
Leipold’s optimistic comment on the ongoing negotiations, as reported by Joe Smith of The Athletic, follows recent speculation. Reports from The Athletic`s Michael Russo and NHL insider Frank Seravalli indicate the Wild are prepared to offer Kaprizov a landmark deal. This proposed contract could establish him as the NHL`s highest-paid player, with an annual salary projected between $15 million and $16 million over a maximum eight-year term. This figure would surpass Leon Draisaitl`s $14 million cap hit for the upcoming season.
Kaprizov, currently 28 years old, is entering the final year of his five-year, $45-million agreement. Throughout his impressive five-season career, he has reached the 40-goal milestone three times and recorded over 95 points twice. Last season, however, injuries limited Kaprizov to only 41 games, during which he still managed to tally 25 goals and 56 points.
Wild General Manager Bill Guerin also conveyed a positive sentiment regarding the talks with Kaprizov. Speaking last week on local radio station KFAN, Guerin stated, “We’ve been talking all summer. Things are good. Things are in a good spot. I’m comfortable with where everything is. I’m confident. Kirill loves Minnesota. I know he loves Minnesota. I know he believes in the team. These things just take time.”
