MN Wild GM Blindsided by Kaprizov Leak

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Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota WIld
Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

It has been an interesting offseason for Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin. The Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts finally came off the books and provided financial flexibility for the franchise. Having failed to make it out of the first playoff round in eight-straight tries, something has to change.

Unfortunately Guerin is running back largely the same roster and hoping that the boost can come from internal development and youth. The most impactful move of the summer has been expected to be a monster contract extension for Kirill Kaprizov.

Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild
Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

That hasn’t happened yet, was reportedly turned down, and the GM is left twisting in the wind picking up the pieces.

Bill Guerin unaware of Kirill Kaprizov contract leak source

Posturing is part of all contract negotiations. How far you want to lean into that though, can dictate the relationship now and in the future, as well as the eventual outcome of a deal. No one should have known Kirill Kaprizov rejected a massive MN Wild contract offer, but now they do.

General manager Bill Guerin doesn’t know where that information came from, and he told the local guys at 10k Takes he is flabbergasted.

“We can cut to the chase, and look, I don’t know where this stuff comes from. I know two things. That info didn’t come from us, and it didn’t come from Kirill’s agent. I don’t know where it came from. Kirill’s agent and I have a very good relationship. We’re working through things. We’re not going to let things like this get in the way. I still think we’re in a really positive place with Kirill. Like I said, part of my role is to protect him, and so we’re gonna let this go, and we just move on.”

Bill Guerin – 10k Takes

There aren’t a whole lot of parties involved beyond Kaprizov’s agent and the Minnesota Wild general manager. However, it’s not unlike one of the directly involved parties didn’t voice a level of frustration with a confidant, and that can then spread like wildfire.

The reality is that Kaprizov isn’t stupid. He wants to win and understands his value. He is going to be the highest-paid player in NHL history regardless of who signs his checks. The Wild didn’t exactly move the needle this offseason to surround him with fresh talent capable of taking the next step.

MN Wild can’t swing and miss

That may have a trickle-down effect in which Kaprizov is not amenable to an eight-year deal. A five-year contract would allow him the opportunity to stick with the organization and see what the immediate future looks like. If, at that point things haven’t changed, then he goes elsewhere and gets paid again.

Kaprizov is just 28 years old and already has 185 goals across 319 career games. He’s the greatest superstar to ever wear a MN Wild sweater, and he holds the cards in this scenario.

Related: Kirill Kaprizov Rejects Massive MN Wild Contract Offer

Ultimately the Wild have to get this deal done. Allowing Kaprizov to walk would be an all-time gaffe and stain on the franchise. Kaprizov though, he doesn’t need the Minnesota Wild like they need him. Until that path forward instills belief, or until the dollars supersede that belief, then nothing else really matters.

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