Latest news with #KirillKaprizov
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
4 burning questions for the Wild as the Kaprizov, Rossi contract situations remain unresolved
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild's two biggest offseason objectives were to extend the contract of superstar Kirill Kaprizov and resolve the Marco Rossi contract stalemate. As we near August, neither has been accomplished. The Wild and Rossi's camp haven't had talks since early June, per league sources. President of hockey operations and general manager Bill Guerin has said he likes Rossi and wants to re-sign the restricted free agent. But with no offer sheets coming, at least for now, this might be a waiting game until the next pressure point in negotiations — the start of training camp in mid-September. Advertisement The Wild and Kaprizov's camp are taking a breather, with the next step likely coming in a face-to-face meeting with Guerin when the Russian winger arrives in the Twin Cities next month. With a deal this big, you have to imagine the team wants to make sure nothing is being lost in translation while Kaprizov is in Moscow. Last week, NHL forward Vasily Podkolzin posted pictures of Kaprizov and himself at Marat Khusnutdinov's wedding reception, and Kaprizov has been training this offseason with Evgeni Malkin. He looks ready and motivated to put last season's injury-plagued year behind him. Last fall, owner Craig Leipold told The Athletic that the team was actually in Year 2 of a five-year plan. But make no mistake, there's no two-, three- or five-year plan that doesn't involve re-signing Kaprizov, the best player in franchise history. That's what makes this negotiation, as complicated as it might be, so important, despite the fact that Leipold made clear no team can or will be able to offer Kaprizov more money than the Wild. That said, there are burning questions involved that could impact what happens with Kaprizov and, frankly, Rossi. Kaprizov has offered no public statements to the contrary. In fact, at his exit interview with local media, he seemed happy to be here — expressing appreciation for his teammates and his role as a leader. When asked about negotiations, Kaprizov smiled and said, 'We'll see. I love everything here. It should be all good.' But until there's a contract signed, any public platitudes are just that. Guerin has often expressed confidence in getting a deal done with Kaprizov; Leipold has also voiced optimism. The Wild have an advantage, especially with the new CBA, that they can offer Kaprizov eight years. Advertisement Under the current CBA, unless he's traded, the other 31 teams would be able to sign him for a maximum of seven years. In the next CBA, the max term is six years for a player signed in free agency. That doesn't go into effect until September 2026, but a league source said Thursday that it is still being decided if the new rule (six vs. seven) will be implemented next July 1. If so, it could strengthen the Wild's position — if Kaprizov wants to sign long-term. The money, especially from the Wild's end, shouldn't be a big issue, with an eight-year, $15 million average-annual-value contract not something that would be out of the question. Leipold has also insinuated he'll break his long-standing policy when it comes to being willing to hand out signing bonuses. This is the only franchise Kaprizov has known, with the 2015 fifth-round steal playing the first five years of his career in Minnesota. Kaprizov conducting multiple calls with Vladimir Tarasenko late last month to help convince the fellow Russian to waive his no-trade clause is encouraging. But arguably the biggest factor is whether he's convinced Guerin and his staff can make the team a contender. 'It's always, every time — it's about winning,' Kaprizov said in May. The last time the Wild were in a contract dispute with Kaprizov was on the eve of training camp in 2021. Guerin flew to Miami to sit down face-to-face with Kaprizov and his agent, Paul Theofanous. They ironed out his five-year, $45 million contract, and Guerin and Kaprizov returned to the Twin Cities on a private jet in time for camp. Now, if Guerin sits down with Kaprizov and Theofanous again as camp gets close and gets the impression that Kaprizov isn't willing to sign now, it may be incumbent on the GM to inquire on teams Kaprizov would be willing to be traded to. Advertisement Kaprizov wields all the power here by virtue of a no-move clause. In the summer of 2008, Marian Gaborik turned down a 10-year, $80 million contract, immediately got hurt that season, became untradable and left as a free agent the following summer for nothing. That was devastating to the franchise, and Guerin can't let that happen again. Everyone assumes the Wild are going to sign Kaprizov to an eight-year deal, and to be sure, they want to sign him to an eight-year deal. But what if Kaprizov would prefer to go on a shorter term? With the cap set to rise in the coming years, star players might opt for deals in the three- to four-year range to maximize their value. In the case of Kaprizov, who will turn 29 at the start of his next contract, he could also be considering whether he's ready to commit the rest of his career to Minnesota. Why not sign a shorter-term deal, which would allow him to see what kind of moves Guerin makes with the shackles off in terms of the dead cap hits of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter? If winning is the most important thing to Kaprizov, a shorter deal could put more pressure on the organization to build a better roster around him. When asked before the NHL draft whether he'd be open to a shorter-term deal with Kaprizov if the star preferred it, Guerin said, 'I'm not going to comment on stuff like that. That's too much info.' Leipold set the bar high at the beginning of last season in his comments about re-signing Kaprizov: 'I will tell you nobody will offer more money than us, or longer. So all we have to do is prove to him that we want to win.' Leipold's point was mostly that Minnesota is the only team that can offer Kaprizov eight years. But the Wild won't penny-pinch when it comes to an offer with their franchise player, who currently carries a $9 million AAV. Kaprizov is arguably a top-10 player in the world. He's irreplaceable. So the price tag is going to be high. An eight-year, $120 million deal ($15 million AAV) would put Kaprizov in line to be the league's highest-paid player once the contract kicks in for 2026-27 — although Connor McDavid needs a new deal starting the same season and figures to come in even higher. Advertisement Now, what if Kaprizov wants McDavid money? McDavid, currently at $12.5 million AAV, is also heading into the final year of his contract. We don't know what McDavid will command, but $16 million-plus is not unreasonable. The max either would be able to sign for prior to July 1, 2026, is 20 percent of next year's $95.5 million salary cap ($19.1 million). Would there be a point where Guerin and Leipold aren't comfortable reaching, even for Kaprizov? As Guerin has repeated, especially during the Rossi contract stalemate, he's 'running a business,' too. Remember, Kaprizov was an early-season frontrunner for the Hart Trophy last season before injuries caused him to miss 41 games. Even though the Wild need Kaprizov more than Kaprizov needs the Wild (he's going to get paid in any scenario), the higher this AAV goes, the more it becomes a risk for the Wild, especially if they want to afford complementary players around him. Work ethic has never been an issue with Rossi, who scored 24 goals and 60 points in only his second full season in 2024-25. He's a gym rat, and if you follow him on social media, you've seen that he's putting in exhaustive work this offseason despite the stress of a contract squabble. The guy basically climbed a mountain last week, then afterward got to work with soon-to-be Hall of Famer Joe Thornton, who's helping him improve in the faceoff circle. Rossi wasn't eligible to elect salary arbitration earlier this month, but he can sign an offer sheet with another team. The Wild would then have seven days to decide whether to match or accept draft pick compensation and walk away. But we're 28 days into July, and that offer sheet hasn't come. It's almost like Guerin, who vowed to match any offer sheet, was playing a game of chicken to show Rossi's camp that he didn't buy that this threat was a real threat. And to this juncture, at least, he's been right. That means at this point Guerin could make Rossi sweat and slowplay this until we get closer to camp. Rossi obviously wants to play and must be signed to do that. Advertisement Of course, from Rossi's standpoint, he knows how thin the Wild are up the middle and how much they need him in the lineup by opening night as well. This is a huge season for the Wild, and Rossi's got to know his importance. The GM is entering his seventh year. They have yet to get past the first round during that tenure. Kaprizov and No. 1 goalie Filip Gustavsson are entering the final year of their contracts. And free agency was largely a whiff with Brock Nelson and other top centers re-signing with their current teams. So while the Wild may think they have all the leverage because Rossi has no 'rights,' Rossi's got significant leverage as well. But unless a trade or offer sheet materializes, the only solution is a compromise on a contract, which means bridging a chasm between the team's valuation and the player's. Rossi has already turned down a five-year, $25 million deal and a two-year deal at less than $5 million per. On a long-term deal, he wants in the $6 or $7 million range. On a short-term deal, he's hesitant to sign what he sees as an under-market-value contract, fearing it would make him easily tradeable (since he isn't yet eligible yet for no-trade protection) or leave him buried in the lineup if the Wild acquire a top-six center or a youngster like Danila Yurov emerges during the life of his contract. It feels like the only solution is a short-term deal in the $5 million range — unless Guerin changes his tune and suddenly accepts some of the recent comparables in this growing-cap world, signing him to a longer-term deal north of $6 million. That seems unlikely if the Wild aren't sold on committing to him long-term. Nothing appears imminent, but with both Kaprizov and Rossi, that can always change with one phone call. (Photo of Joel Eriksson Ek, Marco Rossi and Kirill Kaprizov: Dennis Schneidler / USA Today)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
NHL Trade Rumors: Kirill Kaprizov could become highest paid NHL star with $15 million Wild deal
NHL Trade Rumors: Kirill Kaprizov could become highest paid NHL star with $15 million Wild deal (Image via Getty) Kirill Kaprizov is close to a big new deal. He plays for the Minnesota Wild and is finishing a five‑year contract worth $45 million. Now, NHL insider David Pagnotta told the Melnick in the Afternoon show on July 21, 2025 that Kaprizov will likely earn around $14‑15 million per season on a long‑term deal. This news shines a light on one of the biggest upcoming contracts in hockey today. Kirill Kaprizov's next contract could be worth $14–15 million per season, says David Pagnotta David Pagnotta spoke on the Melnick in the Afternoon radio show on July 21, 2025 (hosted in Montreal) when he shared that he expects Kirill Kaprizov's next deal will land in the $14 million to $15 million per year range. Pagnotta did not give exact length, but called it a 'longer term deal.' That means the Wild are likely talking about multiple years with a high average annual value. Pagnotta also compared Kaprizov to other star players. He said once those top names set numbers, Kaprizov's team can get a better idea of his value. His quote included: 'Kaprizov, probably in that 14 to 15 range on a longer‑term deal.' This fits with another report from The Fourth Period on July 1, 2025. That story quoted Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin saying Kaprizov's next deal could be at least $14 million per season, making him potentially the highest‑paid player in the NHL. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 30 Beautiful women who lived 80-100 years ago Undo Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin confirms Kirill Kaprizov is top priority in contract talks Bill Guerin, the Minnesota Wild GM, confirmed on July 1, 2025 in a team media update that signing Kirill Kaprizov is a top priority. He said talks are underway between the team and his agent, Paul Theofanous. According to Guerin, Kaprizov's next deal could make him the highest paid player in the league if it goes above $14 million per year. Also Read: NHL Trade Drama: Connor McDavid's Future May Be Sealed Soon As Oilers Push For Long-Term Deal To End All Speculation Bill Guerin said: 'Like I've always said Kirill is priority No. 1 and I'll be talking to his agent later today… Kaprizov's next deal could see him earn at least $14 million per season.' The team and agent are reportedly working on a multi‑year contract that matches that $14‑15 million range. If finalized, that would put Kirill Kaprizov among the top earners in the NHL. FAQs 1. How much will Kirill Kaprizov's new contract be worth? Kirill Kaprizov is expected to get around $14 to $15 million per year on a long-term deal. 2. Who reported Kirill Kaprizov's next contract details? NHL insider David Pagnotta shared the update on Melnick in the Afternoon on July 21, 2025. 3. Is Kirill Kaprizov staying with the Minnesota Wild? Yes, talks are ongoing and the Wild want to lock him in with a big long-term deal. 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!
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wild's Kirill Kaprizov gets record-setting $120 million contract update
Kirill Kaprizov is on his way to a record-setting payday. That's what the latest report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli says. Seravalli has Kaprizov lined up an eight-year, $120 million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild. That would be $15 million a year, which would narrowly break Leon Draisaitl's mark for annual average value. The expectation is then that Edmonton star Connor McDavid would get an even bigger contract, but that's still to be determined. The 28-year old Russian winger Kaprizov is coming off a season in which he played just 41 games but still managed 25 goals and 31 assists. MORE: Maple Leafs have completed their $10.5 million Mitch Marner replacement plan In his career, he has 185 goals and 201 assists in 319 games. Minnesota took Kaprizov in the fifth round in 2015, and it has certainly been a worthwhile pick. He has spent five seasons in the NHL since coming stateside. In the last four, he has averaged more than a point per game. Kaprizov is one of the best players in the league, and he's soon going to be paid as such. MORE NHL NEWS: Avalanche's failed winger leaving for KHL Blue Jackets lose 1st-round pick to Russia for at least 4 years Red Wings forward announces shock NHL retirement at age 28 Lightning legend retires after 2 Stanley Cups Anze Kopitar shares feelings on his NHL future Rangers center retires after 12 NHL seasons due to knee injuries
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Could Kirill Kaprizov join Connor Bedard? Chicago Blackhawks loom as 2026 free agency wildcard
Photo byWith the 2026 NHL free agent class shaping up to be one of the deepest in years, most eyes are on the big names—Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Jason Robertson, and more. But history shows that these kinds of players rarely make it to July 1st. 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!
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Schism Between MN Wild and Marco Rossi is Not Getting Better
July 1, 2025 came and went without any major moves from the Minnesota Wild. No Kirill Kaprizov extension, no golden ticket free agent signing, no blockbuster trade. Even after months years of shopping young centerman Marco Rossi, he too remains on the roster… and unhappy. This was supposed to be the offseason of fireworks. With the Parise/Suter cap penalties mostly off the books, the Wild are now loaded with $10 million in salary cap space. Yet, as of July 8, Minnesota's offseason fireworks remain unlit, in the box and all $10+ million of their cap space in Craig Leipold's bank account. Advertisement The Minnesota Wild are still confident that they'll spend a significant chunk of that money on a Kirill Kaprizov extension, at some point this summer. Of course, the same cannot be said on a new contract for Marco Rossi, who's never really been a huge part of Bill Guerin's future plans. Related Headlines Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images Now, the 23-year-old is a restricted free agent and 31 other NHL teams are able to make him an offer. If that happens the Wild either have to match the competing offer sheet or agree to swap Rossi for draft pick compensation that would dictated by how big his new contract is. Is Bill Guerin serious about matching offer sheets for Marco Rossi? Recently, Guerin has threatened to match any and all offer sheets for Rossi. But we all know that's not true, just based on the hardball tactics he's used during contract negotiations. Advertisement In a mailbag article at The Athletic on Tuesday, Michael Russo reported that Guerin's most recent offer to Rossi was a measly two-year bridge deal worth less than $5 million per year. He then went on to doubt whether or not Billy would go over the top to match a Rossi offer sheet for a ton more than that. Rossi would 100 percent take [a high-AAV deal like Martin Necas' $6.5M/YR], but the Wild have offered a two-year deal at below $5 million. And Rossi doesn't really want to get traded, so he doesn't want to do them any favors by accepting an easily-movable AAV. Guerin's announcement [that he'd match a Rossi offer sheet] was designed to just scare off suitors. In the next breath, he said they have a pay structure they have Rossi falling in line at. If somebody called his bluff and offered Rossi $7 million-plus, I'm still not confident that the Wild match. Michael Russo – The Athletic Related: Minnesota Wild Offseason Gets Lukewarm Grade The MN Wild drafted Marco Rossi with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. By the 2023 season, the 5'9″ Austrian was ready for a full-time role in the league. Rossi played in all 82 games his rookie year, averaging 16:44 TOI, he finished the 2023-24 season with 40 points (21 goals), which landed him on the NHL All-Rookie Team. Last season, the Wild were forced to rely more heavily on Rossi; not necessarily because they wanted to, but because injuries forced their hand. With his time on ice expanded to an average of 18:15 minutes per game, Marco's production jumped to 60 points (24 goals). Minnesota Wild have misplayed their Rossi trade hand Yet, when playoffs came around, Marco Rossi was designated to 3rd line duties, something that did not sit well with the youngster or his representation. Advertisement To this day, a wide schism remains between Rossi and the Wild, who haven't sat together at the negotiating table for some time. Per Russo, Guerin's treatment of Marco Rossi has hurt the Minnesota Wild's leverage in trade talks, too. I don't think the Wild helped their own cause by portraying to the league they didn't feel [Rossi] could function in the meat of a Stanley Cup playoff run. I guarantee you that was a red flag to a league that watched a guy like Bennett win the Conn Smythe Trophy as Florida's 2C. If [Rossi] doesn't sign an offer sheet to force the Wild's hand, I think this could be a long one right up until training camp or even beyond. The schism just remains wide and the two sides haven't been actively negotiating. Michael Russo – The Athletic Related: Why Did MN Wild Trade for Vladimir Tarasenko and What Should Fans Expect? We will see how the Marco Rossi trade talk era finishes out. But let's be real. As of today, you can't help but believe that Bill Guerin has misplayed his hand from the very beginning. Had he portrayed more of an appreciation for a top young forward in this league, he'd be much more likely to get that kind of return for him on the trade market. Instead, his constant shopping of Marco Rossi, combined with his 3rd line demotion in the 2024-25 NHL Playoffs, has made him worth much less than what he should be. And Guerin isn't willing to accept less than his real value. Thus, this schism remains until further notice. Advertisement Related Headlines
