Could Kirill Kaprizov join Connor Bedard? Chicago Blackhawks loom as 2026 free agency wildcard
Extensions are typically wrapped up well in advance, locking stars into long-term deals with their current teams. Still, there's one elite talent whose situation remains unresolved—and it's stirring buzz around the league. Minnesota Wild winger
Kirill Kaprizov
has yet to agree to a contract extension, and while many believe a deal will get done, there's growing speculation that he could hit the open market. If that happens, no team is better positioned to strike than the Chicago Blackhawks.
Kirill Kaprizov's contract uncertainty with the Minnesota Wild could fast-track the Chicago Blackhawks' rebuild
The Minnesota Wild know exactly what they have in
Kirill Kaprizov
: a game-breaking forward who has racked up 386 points in 319 NHL games. He's the best offensive player the franchise has ever had. But negotiations for a new deal have stalled, raising eyebrows across the league. In July 2025, NHL insider Michael Russo said on Daily Faceoff's Rundown that 'they're not close right now' in extension talks. Russo still believes the Wild will eventually sign him—but as time passes, the possibility of things going south becomes harder to ignore.
If Kaprizov becomes available, the Blackhawks immediately jump to the front of the line. Why? Timing, cap space, and roster construction. Chicago has been steadily rebuilding around cornerstone center Connor Bedard and 2022 first-round pick Frank Nazar. Both are viewed as long-term centerpieces, and the front office has made it clear that the plan is to build around them.
Bringing in a player like Kaprizov—who could become the highest-paid winger in the NHL—would be a massive addition.
The Blackhawks not only have the financial flexibility to make it happen, but they also have the right timeline. By 2026, they'll be ready to transition from rebuild to contention. A top-line featuring Bedard and Kaprizov would be electric.
Chicago Blackhawks could emerge as top suitor if Kirill Kaprizov hits free agency
Nothing is certain yet, but the possibility is real—and it's gaining traction. If Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild fail to reach a deal, the Chicago Blackhawks could emerge as the biggest winners of the 2026 NHL offseason. The fit is perfect, the cap space is there, and the rebuild is right on schedule. If Kaprizov hits the market, the hockey world will be watching—and Chicago may just be ready to pounce.
Also Read:
Sam Lafferty returns to the Chicago Blackhawks—can grit and familiarity spark the rebuild?
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 4th Test: India mark a first in their 93-year and 592 Test match history
Yashasvi Jaiswal bats on Day 1 of the fourth Test between India and England in Old Trafford, Manchester. (AP) India made history in Test cricket by fielding five left-handed batters for the first time in their playing XI during the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester on Wednesday. The lineup includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, marking a significant milestone in India's 592-match Test cricket history. LIVE: India vs England 4th Test Day 1 The Indian team have made three changes for this crucial match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. B Sai Sudharsan returned to the team, replacing Karun Nair at the number three position. Shardul Thakur has been brought in to replace Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was ruled out due to a knee injury on July 21. The third change introduced 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj from Haryana, who made his international debut, stepping in for Akash Deep. Left-handers in India's playing XI Yashasvi Jaiswal Sai Sudharsan Rishabh Pant Ravindra Jadeja Washington Sundar Rishabh Pant's participation in the Manchester Test was initially uncertain following a finger injury sustained on Day 1 of the Lord's Test. However, he recovered in time to maintain his position in the team. Poll Do you think India will perform better with five left-handed batters in their playing XI? Yes No Pant has demonstrated exceptional performance in the ongoing series. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo He struck two centuries in the series opener at Headingley, Leeds, scoring 134 and 118 runs. In the second Test at Edgbaston, he scored 25 and 65 runs, followed by scores of 74 and 9 runs in the third Test at Lord's, despite playing with an injury. India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. England's XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Liam Dawson, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Watch: Yashasvi Jaiswal breaks bat in dramatic fashion! India reach lunch unscathed on Day 1 at Old Trafford
Yashasvi Jaiswal of India shows his broken bat to umpire Rod Tucker (Photo by) In a dramatic moment during the opening session of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, Yashasvi Jaiswal 's bat handle snapped while facing Chris Woakes . The incident, which occurred in the ninth over, turned out to be the highlight of the morning session, drawing gasps from the crowd. Woakes, bowling at a modest 126kph, got the ball to nip back sharply from a good length and bounce unexpectedly. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Jaiswal, attempting a defensive shot, was left stunned as the ball struck the splice of the bat, cracking the handle cleanly. The 23-year-old opener signalled for a new bat immediately but continued to remain unfazed at the crease, anchoring India's solid start. Watch: England captain Ben Stokes had won the toss and opted to bowl under overcast conditions, expecting early movement. However, the Indian openers, Jaiswal and KL Rahul, have been impressive in blunting the English attack. At lunch, India stands at 78/0 after 26 overs, with Jaiswal unbeaten on 36 off 74 balls and Rahul solid on 40 off 82. Poll Should India continue to bat cautiously or be more aggressive? Continue cautiously Be more aggressive Balance between both It depends on the situation The English bowlers have struggled to find consistency, with Woakes (24/0) and Archer (15/0) bowling probing spells but failing to induce mistakes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Now And Save up to ₹23.71L on Luxury Homes in Whitefield Sumadhura Group Learn More Undo Brydon Carse has been slightly expensive, conceding 24 runs in his five overs. Stokes, who bowled five steady overs for just 14 runs, will be eager to make inroads after lunch. India's strategy has been clear: weather the initial storm and build a strong platform. Both openers have rotated strike smartly while punishing loose deliveries. For England, the lack of early wickets has been frustrating, as the pitch, though firm, has offered some seam movement. With the series on the line, this solid start gives India an edge going into the second session. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 4th Test: Ex-India cricketer slams Shubman Gill for not backing Karun Nair - 'Chance missed...'
Ben Stokes celebrates after dismissing Karun Nair of India during day two of 3rd Test at Lord's (Photo by) As India take on England in the 4th Test of the five-match series, injuries to key players like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep have forced the visitors to make changes to their playing XI. While Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj and Shardul Thakur take their places in the XI, Sai Sudharsan too is a new face in the batting order as opposed to Karun Nair, who was utilized in the previous Test. IND vs ENG Live Score 4th Test Following Sudharsan's inclusion in the team, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif protested the call from captain Shubman Gill. In a post on X, Kaif wrote, "Today was Shubman Gill's chance to back Karun (Nair) who was down but deserved one more chance. He should have picked Karun Nair. Chance missed to earn the respect when it comes to making tough decisions as a leader." Inside India's rainy preps ahead of the 4th Test in Manchester The fact that Karun Nair managed 40 and then 14 in his most recent outing at Lord's adds to the claim that Gill may have looked at Sudharsan for the No 3 role for this very reason. In the 1st Test, Sudharsan took the No 3 spot, form where he got out for a duck in the 1st innings and 30 in the 2nd. This prompted a change in the 2nd Test, where Nair came in and scored 31 and 26, where India won by a whopping 336 runs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Poll Should Shubman Gill have chosen Karun Nair over Sai Sudharsan for the No 3 spot? Yes, he deserved another chance No, Sudharsan was the right choice Kaif's criticism comes at a time when India are desperately in need of a win in the series. A loss would mean that India will no longer be able to secure a series victory, but a win means that the visitors can push the series decider to the final match at The Oval. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
