Kirill Kaprizov’s Next Contract is Going to be Massive

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: Nov 9, 2024

Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild — Credit: Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

It is something of a shock just how good the Minnesota Wild have come out of the gate. It isn’t a surprise that Kirill Kaprizov is a superstar. The left wing has been amongst the best players across the entire league to start the season.

That’s convenient timing considering he will soon be looking for a new payday. If there was any chance Bill Guerin was going to get a discount, that has gone out the window.

Minnesota Wild need to break the bank for Kirill Kaprizov

It has already been reported that Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold will stop at nothing in order to keep Kaprizov in Minnesota.

Although there have been rumors about the Russian venturing to another franchise, the Wild offering up the money will speak loudest. The Athletic’s Chris Johnston projects the payday being massive. He was recently asked where the number comes down in relation to $14 million.

Kirill Kaprizov: Over/under $14 million per season on his next contract, and why? — Bryce M.

Give me the over. What we have here is a perfect confluence of events for a potential unrestricted free agent in 2026. Not only is Kaprizov off to the best start of his career this season, but he’s also playing in a rising-cap environment for a team that’s never previously had a true superstar and an owner in Craig Leipold who is promising he won’t be outbid.

Back up the Brink’s truck! Kirill the Thrill couldn’t possibly have more leverage here. One other thing worth noting: Oilers star Leon Draisaitl signed his $14 million per season extension with the NHL’s salary cap ceiling sitting at $88 million. That’s projected to climb to the $97 million range by the time Kaprizov’s next deal kicks in for 2026-27.
Chris Johnston on Kirill Kaprizov’s next contract (The Athletic)

In just 14 games this year Kaprizov has already scored nine goals. He has 27 points and is +13 to date. The points lead the NHL, and he recently took over the team lead for goals. To suggest he could have put a better foot forward when negotiating a payday would be foolish.

Kirill Kaprizov is unstoppable this season. 💪

He's up to 25 points in 14 games! pic.twitter.com/s8UGj3GUtp
— NHL (@NHL) November 9, 2024

It’s still plenty early in the year, and the Wild have become notorious for their midseason swoon. Kaprizov could do plenty to thwart those notions, and John Hynes can watch his team make a playoff run. Minnesota is in position to shake things up regarding the salary cap in the next couple of years, and there’s no reason not to have Kaprizov be part of the nucleus.

This Kirill Kaprizov no-look dish is INSANE 🥵 pic.twitter.com/Dd98xn1Mlz
— NHL (@NHL) November 8, 2024

At the end of the day the Wild need to do everything they can to keep Kaprizov in Minnesota. He has blossomed into a legitimate superstar after being a fifth round pick. No one in Minnesota wants to see him wear a different sweater.