Latest news with #MinnesotaWild
Time of India
16 hours ago
- 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!
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Marco Rossi and Minnesota Wild locked in major contract disagreement
Photo Via Getty Images The Minnesota Wild and restricted free agent Marco Rossi appear to be at a standstill in contract negotiations. According to NHL insider Michael Russo, the two sides haven't spoken in weeks and remain far apart on contract value. With Rossi turning down a significant long-term offer earlier in the season, both parties are now locked in a high-stakes standoff that may not end soon. Minnesota Wild and Marco Rossi far apart on contract value and NHL RFA negotiations The heart of the dispute centers around a major difference in how Marco Rossi and the Minnesota Wild view his worth. Rossi reportedly rejected a five-year contract offer at a $5 million average annual value (AAV) during the 2024–25 season. His camp is citing recent comparable deals, such as Matt Coronato's seven-year, $6.5 million AAV with the Calgary Flames and Gabe Vilardi's six-year, $7.5 million AAV as justification for a higher payout. However, the Wild are not willing to exceed the $7 million AAV they currently pay Matt Boldy, their young offensive cornerstone. Russo suggests that general manager Bill Guerin may be trying to apply pressure on Rossi by waiting out the situation and daring another team to extend an offer sheet. So far, no such offer has materialized. Bridge deal not ideal for Marco Rossi amid NHL contract talks and Minnesota Wild lineup concerns A short-term bridge deal doesn't appear to be a viable option for Rossi either. Without any trade protection, he risks being moved to a team he may not want to play for. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cat Keeps Hugging Friend Before Going To The Vet – The Vet Paled When He Saw Them Tips and Tricks Undo Additionally, his reduced playoff role, averaging just 11 minutes per night despite scoring twice in six games, raises questions about whether he can continue building value under current usage. Rossi had a strong 2024–25 regular season, recording 24 goals and 60 points in 18:15 average ice time. Yet his postseason deployment has left him unsure about his long-term role in Minnesota, making negotiations even more complex. With both sides holding firm, the contract impasse between Marco Rossi and the Minnesota Wild shows no sign of easing. Unless a third team intervenes with an offer sheet or one side softens its stance, it may be weeks before talks resume and longer before a resolution is reached. FAQs: 1. How old is Marco Rossi? Marco Rossi is 23 years old (born September 23, 2001). 2. Where is Marco Rossi from? Marco Rossi is from Feldkirch, Austria. Also Read: Nazem Kadri trade talks stall as Toronto Maple Leafs struggle to meet Calgary Flames' demands Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Players Who The Columbus Blue Jackets Have Bought Out Are About To Get Last Payments
Buyouts are a tool that GMs have in their toolbox, but they're very careful when to use them as they can get messy and hold teams back in the future, just ask the Minnesota Wild.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wild Forward Signs One-Year Contract With Division Rival
Former Minnesota Wild forward Gustav Nyquist signed a contract with the Winnipeg Jets on July 2nd. It was a one-year deal worth $3.25 million. Nyquist, 35, started the season on the Nashville Predators after playing there the year before. Nyquist was on the Wild during the 2022-23 season. He left for free agency and signed a two-year deal with the Predators. After a terrific first season with Nashville, the veteran forward struggled last year before he was traded to the Wild for a second round pick in 2026. Nyquist scored two goals and had seven points in 28 games with the Wild. He had zero points in six playoff games. When asked about how Nyquist would approach July 1st, he said he would love to come back to the Wild for the 2025-26 season. The Wild opted to resign Marcus Johansson and let Nyquist go. He eventually signed a one-year deal with the Jets for the 2025-26 season. Minnesota Wild Release 2025-26 Season Schedule ST. PAUL, Minn - The 2025-26 season is almost here and the Minnesota Wild announced its schedule for the upcoming year. The length of the Wild's season is 187 days which is the same as last year. Minnesota Wild Release Preseason Schedule For 2025-26 Season ST. PAUL, Minn - The 2025-26 season will be here before we know it. NHL teams recently announced their preseason schedules for the upcoming season. Former Minnesota Wild Enforcer Traded To San Jose Sharks There have been a lot of former Minnesota Wild players on the move so far. On Thursday night, there was another one. Ryan Reaves was traded to the San Jose Sharks.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Once-Promising Flyers Prospect Resurfaces with Wild
After getting let go by the Philadelphia Flyers ahead of free agency, once-promising prospect Elliot Desnoyers has resurfaced, signing a one-year deal with the AHL Iowa Wild, the minor-league affiliates of the Minnesota Wild, on Monday.
