Latest news with #Kaprizov
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wild's Kirill Kaprizov Sends 'Love' Message Before Contract Year
Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov has completed his fifth season in the NHL with his team falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 28-year-old winger is now facing the next significant step in his career, with an initial date for taking it set for July 1 as he will become eligible to sign a contract extension. Advertisement After returning from injury late in the regular season, Kaprizov delivered his best postseason performance to date, with five goals and nine points in Minnesota's loss to Vegas. The Wild dropped three straight one-goal games to close the series, including two in overtime, leaving a bitter taste in Kaprizov and his teammates. 'It's frustrating to lose,' Kaprizov said. 'When you lose in the first round, it's tough. We'll be better next year, try to just focus on the offseason now, good training, good camp. Should be ready to go again.' One of the key questions within Minnesota's organization now is whether Kaprizov will commit to playing more than "next year' for the Wild. As the only team allowed to offer him max term, Minnesota could shape its future around him. Advertisement Kaprizov's five-year, $45 million contract has one season left, but the Wild can offer him an eight-year extension beginning July 1 while the other 31 franchises are capped at seven years. Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) warms up before the start of game five of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images 'This is my agent's job (to) talk with (general manager Bill Guerin), but we will see,' Kaprizov said. 'I love everything here. But (it) should be all good. 'It's easier because now I speak a little bit better English. It's easy for me to talk with the boys. I feel more comfy, every year more and more. It's like my home, my second home.' Kaprizov is in line for a sizeable raise considering his production. The Russian winger ranks 10th among all players in goals (158) and 15th in points (335) in 264 games since entering the NHL in the 2021–22 season. Advertisement Kaprizov is coming off a regular season in which he missed 41 games due to injury but still put up 56 total points, split into 25 goals and 31 assists with a plus-19 plus/minus. Related: Connor McDavid Reminds Oilers of 'Failures' Before Golden Knights Series Related: Canadiens React to NHL's Announcement on Coach Martin St. Louis
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill Guerin confirms Wild in the market for a center and wing
The Wild enter the 2025 offseason finally free from the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter dead cap hits, meaning general manager Bill Guerin can flex some financial muscle to strengthen a squad that's made the playoffs in five of the last six seasons. With the financial constraints lifted, Guerin now has the ability to go big-game hunting in free agency this summer. "Yeah, I'm really excited. I mean, this is big. I mean, we've been waiting a long time for this," Guerin told the Wild on 7th podcast following the team's elimination from the playoffs. "And when I say 'we,' I mean everybody. You know—fans, ownership, coaches, players, you guys. So yeah, this is a big summer," Guerin continued. "I want to make our team significantly better this summer." According to Cap Wages, Minnesota will have just shy of $17 million in available cap space this offseason. For a team that's had to pinch pennies and find creative ways to build a roster over the past several seasons, that's a breath of fresh air. So where will Guerin focus his efforts? "We're going to focus mainly on forwards," Guerin said. "I mean, I believe our D is set. We've got a good mix of veterans and youth. So mainly for me, I'm focused on forwards. Yeah, faceoffs—we need somebody to help with that. We need veteran-type guys who've been through it, who've got some battle scars and can help in that way. But we could always use more skill too. That's everybody, but definitely in the forward position." With stars like Mitch Marner, Brock Boeser, John Tavares, Brock Nelson, and Sam Bennett potentially hitting the market this summer, Guerin will have plenty of options. First on his docket, though, is locking up Kirill Kaprizov to a new long-term deal, which Guerin said is "priority number one" this offseason. Kaprizov is entering the final year of the five-year, $45 million deal he signed back in September of 2021. Speaking on his future following the season, Kaprizov said he loves "everything here," adding, "It should be all good."
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Kirill Kaprizov set to reshape NHL pay scale with upcoming extension talks
Kirill Kaprizov set to reshape NHL pay scale with upcoming extension talks (Image Source: Getty Images) Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov is going into a gigantic offseason not only for himself but for the entire league. With just one year remaining on his existing deal, the franchise superstar winger is now available for an extension. And if rumors are accurate, he may be set to sign the largest contract in NHL history . Following an excellent 2024–25 season despite injuries, the Wild are prepared to make a major investment to retain their top player in the long term. Kirill Kaprizov destined for a huge payday in Minnesota Even with missing out on a hunk of the season, injuries couldn't stop Kirill Kaprizov from being a game-breaker for the Minnesota Wild. He continued to post great numbers and helped lead the team into the playoffs, even though the stint was shorter than desired. Now, the Wild are getting set to reward their leading scorer with potentially the most lucrative contract in league history. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Andrew Ng, Recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo Kirill Kaprizov is earning $9 million annually, but NHL insider Elliotte Friedman says that could increase substantially. On the 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman mentioned that there is a lot of belief around the league that he will be the highest-paid player when his new contract is inked. That would involve overtaking Leon Draisaitl's new eight-year deal that has an average annual value (AAV) of $14 million, but it begins in 2025–26. It would be a risky attempt, but the Wild have enough cap space to pull it off. The pricey buyouts for Zach Parise and Ryan Suter are decreasing at last, creating around $13 million of cap space. The NHL's salary cap is also going up over the next few years, providing teams with more room to make large offers. Minnesota will spend much of that money securing Kirill Kaprizov, who has become the face of the franchise since joining in 2020. Despite offseason whispers that Kaprizov could listen to a change of scenery, Wild owner Craig Leipold has been blunt that no organization will outbid Minnesota for their star forward. The team knows how much they value him, both on the ice and as a leader in the locker room. Kirill Kaprizov could sign largest NHL contract amid strong support from Minnesota management Kirill Kaprizov's potential contract isn't the only gaudy narrative this summer. Edmonton's star Connor McDavid is also slated for an extension and could potentially drive salary thresholds even higher. But insiders assume McDavid's contract could fall after Kaprizov's contract, paving the way for the next market precedent. Either way, Minnesota fans have reason to be excited. With a solid foundation of young skill and a superstar in Kaprizov returning, the Wild are setting themselves up for a rosy future and they're willing to open their wallets to get it done. Also Read: US Representative Angie Craig Of Minnesota Joins The Race For Retiring Senator Tina Smith's Seat
New York Times
04-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Kirill Kaprizov discusses potential contract extension with Wild: ‘It should be all good'
ST. PAUL, Minn. — There's probably not a person in the Minnesota Wild organization who knows Kirill Kaprizov more than Mats Zuccarello. They've shared a bromance for years, on the ice as linemates and off of it. The Russian superstar is known as 'Uncle Kirill' to Zuccarello's two kids. They've been attached at the hip. Advertisement So it was fitting that when Kaprizov's future was brought up Sunday, Zuccarello joked that the most important thing Minnesota could do to extend the 28-year-old winger is 'I get a job of some kind of salary in this team for eight years.' Whether the Wild can sign Kaprizov to a max, eight-year contract when he's eligible July 1 — one year removed from unrestricted free agency — will pave the long-term path of this franchise. That's why Kaprizov's comments Sunday about re-signing were so encouraging. 'We'll see,' Kaprizov said, smiling. 'I love everything here. It should be all good.' And the team has an ally in Zuccarello, who feels the way all Wild fans do. 'I think he's a smart kid and he wants to win, and if he feels like he can do that here, it's here,' Zuccarello said. 'It's not up to me where he plays. I'll support him in whatever choice he makes. I love it here, I love Minnesota. As a Minnesota fan, I hope he stays and I'm sure he does.' Kaprizov has said he loves it in Minnesota and loves this team. But this will largely depend on money and whether one of the best players in the world believes he can be part of a contender in Minnesota. Kaprizov said Sunday he feels good about the future here, what they have and what's coming. 'It's always, every time, it's about winning,' Kaprizov said. 'Everyone wants to win. Me too. I like everything here.' Star players are almost always underpaid, but Kaprizov likely won't be. It'd be a shock if the Wild don't make him the highest-paid winger in the NHL and on par with his current market value for this season ($14.9 million). Last summer, Evolving Hockey projected $11.49 million over a seven-year term if Kaprizov were a free agent then. That's before the NHL announced the sharp increase in the salary cap for the upcoming three seasons. So, in a $104 million cap world in which Kaprizov's extension would kick in before the 2026-27 season, that $11.49 million would be the equivalent of $13.6 million, which is arguably an underpayment. Advertisement Here's a look at where franchise forwards slot into their team's cap structure: There are 31 other markets and franchises in the NHL that all offer their own benefits, from winning in the future to lifestyle off the ice. Kaprizov previously told The Athletic, 'I like pretty big cities where we can go walk outside a little bit and take in a good restaurant at dinner time.' With the 2026-27 salary-cap ceiling expected to skyrocket to $104 million and the 2027-28 salary-cap ceiling expected to jump to $113.5 million, there's no doubt Kaprizov would have several enticing opportunities if he opted to wait until the summer of 2026 to sign elsewhere. But as owner Craig Leipold expressed before the season, there's only one team that can offer Kaprizov eight years. As a pending unrestricted free agent, unless Kaprizov was traded this offseason or next season like Mikko Rantanen was from Colorado to Carolina and to eventually Dallas, the max term another team could offer Kaprizov is seven years. So let's say the Wild offer him $14 million ($112 million over life of contract), $15 million ($120 million) or $16 million ($128 million) a season. Another team would have to offer him $16 million a year for Kaprizov to reach the same $112 million, $17.1 million for him to reach $120 million or $18.2 million for him to reach $128 million. But remember, it would be risky for the Wild to give him an eight-year term at such a large percentage of the cap. Kaprizov got to the NHL late, so by the time the extension would kick in, he'll already be 29 years old. There's injury history to consider as well. According to league sources, Kaprizov started dealing with an abdominal area injury around Christmastime. He was first shut down coming out of the holiday break, then considered 'day to day.' Kaprizov missed a month and then returned for three games before undergoing surgery. He then missed another two months and returned with four games left in the season, scoring two goals and an assist, including the overtime winner, against San Jose. He just had his best NHL playoff performance, with five goals and nine points against the Golden Knights in the first-round loss. Advertisement 'I think before surgery, when I come back, I think it should be harder,' Kaprizov said. 'But it was not bad.' But the big worry is if those abdominal problems were caused by other underlying issues that could ultimately jump to the forefront and need repair. After all, when a hockey player is dealing with core muscle issues, it's usually because something is out of alignment elsewhere, like their hips or legs, forcing them to compensate. Just look at Joel Eriksson Ek, who had myriad leg issues this season and revealed on Sunday he'll need core muscle surgery in New York next week, likely from the same doctor who performed Kaprizov's. All Kaprizov has said about the cause of the injury is 'something happened.' He said he feels good going into the offseason and doesn't anticipate needing any further surgery. President of hockey operations and general manager Bill Guerin is scheduled to hold his end-of-the-season news conference Tuesday with head coach John Hynes. When asked in February during Kaprizov's rehab if the superstar's injuries the past few seasons give him any concern about committing long-term, Guerin told The Athletic: 'None. He's in unbelievable shape. He's a machine. I have no concerns about that. Players get hurt.' Those injury issues may actually be another big reason why Kaprizov may be swayed to sign on the dotted line as soon as July 1. After missing half the season, is he really willing to risk waiting and allowing a potential injury-riddled 2025-26 season to cost him significant money, whether with the Wild or another team in free agency? Kirill Kaprizov talks about his leadership throughout the 2024-2025 season how Minnesota has become a second home Watch full interviews here » — Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) May 4, 2025 The bottom line is this: Risk aside, no part of the Wild's three- or five-year plan involves a scenario without Kaprizov. He's their Nathan MacKinnon, their Sidney Crosby, their Connor McDavid. You lose him, and there's no telling when, or if, you'd be able to replace him. This group hasn't been able to get over the hump, a first-round series, with him. How much harder would it be to do so without him? Advertisement 'I think he's one of the best players in the whole league,' Eriksson Ek said. If the Wild can't sign him this summer, it'll become a talking point and issue throughout next season. And the closer Kaprizov gets to free agency, you'd think there'd be a temptation to see what else is out there. The Wild can't afford to lose the best player in franchise history for nothing, so they'd likely be compelled to consider moving him at the deadline. Kaprizov has a full no-move clause, which also complicates matters and could affect a potential return. The good news for the Wild fans is that it doesn't seem like it'll get that far. Signs are positive that things will get worked out, from Kaprizov's comments to the informal meetings agent Paul Theofanous has had with Guerin and assistant GM Mat Sells throughout the season. Kaprizov will spend most of the summer back home in his village in Russia, hanging with family, fishing and camping. But he said he feels really comfortable in the Twin Cities, living in downtown Minneapolis. 'It's nice,' he said. 'If you want to go to a good restaurant, if you want to go to bar, you can go bar. It has everything in the city.' What's more telling, however, is how teammates and staff have said Kaprizov has embraced a bigger leadership role with the team. He's more vocal. The 'A' on his sweater is indicative of the ownership he's taken. 'Now I speak a little better English, it's easier for me to talk with the boys,' Kaprizov said. 'Five years I'm here already. I feel more comfy. Every year, more and more, it's like my home now, my second home.' Shayna Goldman contributed to this story.
New York Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Wild GM Bill Guerin's offseason checklist: Extend Kaprizov, decide on Rossi, be smart in free agency
ST. PAUL, Minn. — This might be one of the most important summers in recent memory for the Minnesota Wild. No longer are the full dead cap hits of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter on the books, so there's some wiggle room to make an impact in bolstering the roster. It's also been a decade since the team got past the first round, so there's pressure to deliver on everyone, especially president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Guerin as he enters his seventh season at the helm. Advertisement Guerin himself said before the season that the Wild haven't been serious contenders. Now, there's no more excuses — no more shackles. It's time for Guerin to make the right moves to deliver a championship to the Cup-starved market. 'Next July 1 is going to be like Christmas,' owner Craig Leipold promised last October. 'We're going to have money available. We're going to have the resources available to do what we need to do to get back to Wild hockey. … And we feel like we're going to be able to get one or two really good players to add on to this team.' Now, the available money this summer is far from infinite. In fact, as you'll see below, it's pretty modest considering what we figured four years ago when Guerin made the bold moves to buy out Parise and Suter. But it's on him to make the most of it. What the biggest items on his to-do list? Let's take a look at the five key offseason priorities. Make no mistake, only one thing really matters this summer, and that's making sure the only true superstar in franchise history, Kirill Kaprizov, signs on the dotted line. Entering the final year of his five-year, $45 million contract, Kaprizov is eligible for an extension on July 1. The Wild are ready to make him the highest-paid winger in the NHL, and even before last season, Leipold said convincing Kaprizov to stay in Minnesota long-term keeps him up at night and vowed that nobody will be able to pay him more just by virtue of the fact the Wild can offer him an eighth year while 31 other teams would only be able to sign him to a seven-year deal as a free agent on July 1, 2026. There's no doubt Kaprizov loves it in Minnesota and loves his teammates, but when his extension kicks in, he'll be 29. Leipold has said he knows the only thing that matters to Kaprizov is winning and the team has to prove to Kaprizov it can be a bona fide contender. Advertisement 'We have to do is prove to him that we want to win,' Leipold said in October Is he convinced? Our gut says the Wild get a deal done with him. After all, when they put an eight-year deal worth $120 or $128 million on the table this offseason, that type of security right then and there should be awfully enticing for a player who just missed half the season due to injury. Would he really risk waiting, knowing that if he has another injury-plagued season, his bottom line could be severely impacted? Also, it sure feels like the Wild and Kaprizov's agent, Paul Theofanous, have had good communication on this, starting in training camp. Theofanous attended Wild games a handful of times, including when Kaprizov returned to the lineup last month, and each time he has met with Guerin and assistant GM Mat Sells. It's no longer simply, 'What do the Wild think of Marco Rossi? 'It's now, 'What does Marco Rossi think of the Wild?' Rossi averaged 11:08 of ice time in the playoffs — third-lowest on the team, just ahead of his fourth-line linemates, Yakov Trenin and Justin Brazeau. He outplayed Freddy Gaudreau and Gustav Nyquist, and the Wild showed the faith they have in him by immediately burying him on the fourth line after a tough go down the stretch of the regular season and Game 1 on the third line. The regular season's second-leading Wild scorer had to be confused and hurt. The team made him a contract offer a few months ago — one he didn't accept. Is that offer still on the table? Does Rossi, a pending restricted free agent who is offer-sheet eligible, even want to re-sign with it looking like his future in Minnesota isn't in the top six or on the top power play? Rossi scored twice in the playoffs, but he also struggled adjusting to the pace and grit at times. His double-minor high-sticking penalty got the pivotal Game 6 off to a rocky start, and he played a big role in the Vegas Golden Knights' winning goals in Games 5 and 6. Advertisement The Wild may think that's validation for not trusting him. But this was also the 23-year-old's first time experiencing how different the playoffs are from the regular season. Remember, Kaprizov had two goals and one assist in seven games in his first postseason. Matt Boldy had one goal and three assists in 12 games in his first two postseasons. Look at them now after combining for 10 goals and 16 assists in six games against Vegas. You live and learn when it comes to the postseason, so Rossi will likely be much better in his next try. The question is whether that next try come with Minnesota. With the Parise and Suter buyouts mostly off the books, this was supposed to be the summer of a spending spree. And there is significant relief, plus a rising salary cap — but it's not like the Wild are completely flush with space. The Brock Faber ($8.5 million) and Jake Middleton ($4.35 million) extensions kicks in next year. Kaprizov, assuming he signs an extension a year ahead of free agency, will likely see his cap bump from $9 million to $14 to 16 million in 2026-27. If the Wild keep Rossi and Declan Chisholm, they'll have to be paid as restricted free agents. That said, the Wild will still have $17 million or so to play with after $1.7 million in Parise/Suter buyout charges and $1.1 million in Faber and Rossi bonus overages. This assumes Zeev Buium, David Jiricek and Liam Ohgren make next year's team but doesn't include two-way-contracted Vinnie Hinostroza ($775,000) or currently unsigned Danila Yurov. If Yurov is signed, it's unlikely he'd step foot in Iowa, so subtract another $950,000 from that $17 million. This is all barring trades, by the way. There are ways, of course, for Guerin to add more space. There's a great opportunity here, but Guerin must be smart. There's no room for error, and being a buyer on July 1 often means overpayments and mistakes. Guerin's big swing last summer was signing Trenin to a four-year, $14 million ($3.5 million average annual value) deal, and the gritty winger largely underperformed until showing some flashes in the playoffs in a fourth-line role. Advertisement The focus this summer should be providing a boost offensively to the forward group. There are some options out there, with Sam Bennett, Brock Boeser and Brock Nelson among the notable free agents (if the Wild aren't able to get in the Mitch Marner sweepstakes). Nelson, 33, acquired by the Colorado Avalanche at the deadline, would be sought after by the Wild for his two-way play, penalty-killing and faceoff acumen (two categories Minnesota needs help in). But they should be wary on term. It's hard to believe that the Nyquist we saw reacquired by Minnesota is the same Nyquist who scored 75 points in 2023-24. At 35, Nyquist showed just how quickly Father Time can catch up to you. The Wild should get some internal help offensively if Ohgren becomes a full-timer or Yurov proves he can be a top-six-caliber center. There's also the wrinkle of what a potential Rossi return might look like if they decide to move him. But during the playoffs and parts of the regular season, it felt like if Kaprizov or Boldy wasn't going, it was hard for the Wild to score enough. The deadline additions, Nyquist and Brazeau, combined for just three goals, including the playoffs. Ryan Hartman and Marcus Foligno were terrific against Vegas, combining for five goals and 10 points. In fact, Hartman may have saved his Wild career as it sure felt like after his eight-game suspension in February that the Wild were done with him. That kind of contribution will be needed next season, but it can't just be them. They'll need help. The Wild have a touted prospect pool — No. 2 in The Athletic's latest rankings from Scott Wheeler. But that matters little if the development program isn't delivering. And there should be some questions raised here about the struggles with AHL Iowa after it missed the playoffs for the third time in four seasons. This time last year, Guerin said Iowa would be a priority. Twenty-three of 32 teams made the playoffs, though, and Iowa wasn't one of them, largely due to an 0-6-1 start. Injuries play a role, like for any AHL affiliate, but winning is important to development. How are these prospects going to graduate and help the Wild get out of the first round when they haven't experienced it themselves? Advertisement Brett McLean, the former Wild assistant who — without having ever run a program before — was given the head job in Iowa without a coaching search, finished his second year as head coach 27-37-6. He takes the losses hard, as does Iowa GM Matt Hendricks. Whether Guerin and Hendricks consider staff changes or figure free agency/trades are a way to bolster the roster, the team could use more support/attention. It's an indictment that none of the once-ballyhooed blueline prospects (Carson Lambos, Ryan O'Rourke, David Spacek, Jack Peart and traded Daemon Hunt) has made it to the NHL. The Wild need better from the development of Jesper Wallstedt, Ohgren, Jiricek, Hunter Haight, Riley Heidt and, eventually, Charlie Stramel. The Wild have invested a lot in some of their young players. Buium is a No. 12 pick and Hobey Baker finalist who made his NHL debut in Game 1 against Vegas. The Wild traded Hunt and four draft picks for Jiricek. Yurov, they hope, is signing and coming to North America. Ohgren, another first rounder, is ready for NHL action after a terrific run his last 20 AHL games. As much as the Wild want to make a splash this summer, they can't do it at the expense of playing time for young players who are ready to contribute. Why draft and develop if you aren't going to see what you have in a prospect? With Jon Merrill a pending unrestricted free agent and Chisholm a restricted free agent the Wild could choose to move on from, it would seem Buium has a great chance to start next season in the top six on the blue line. He should. This summer will be big, and Buium needs to get stronger, but his four-game foray in the Stanley Cup playoffs should serve as great experience. Jiricek's season ended due to a lacerated spleen. He's likely to work with the Wild staff for at least a portion of the summer, with the focus on his skating. But if you're going to give up so much for Jiricek, you have to find a spot for him. He played six NHL games this season, then sat for a lengthy stretch as insurance with the Wild. Zach Bogosian has one year left on his deal at $1.25 million. Perhaps there's a way for Jiricek to rotate in or Bogosian to end up being the seventh defenseman. There's not a lot of NHL-ready depth in Iowa, with Lambos maybe the exception. So the Wild can't let Merrill and Chisholm walk and move on from Bogosian without protecting themselves. But Jiricek needs an NHL opportunity heading into the last year of his entry level deal. He told The Athletic what a huge summer this is for him and how he believes he's an NHLer. Captain Jared Spurgeon has two years left at a $7.575 million AAV, with his contract holding a 10-team no-trade clause. Jonas Brodin, who has three years left at $6 million, has zero no-trade protection. Not that the Wild plan or intend to trade those two core defensemen (Brodin was in the team's top pair down the stretch with Faber), but management does have some flexibility here after the no-move clauses ended if it wants to shop either.
