And guess what else? Kirill Kaprizov still remains unsigned, beyond 2025-26. Both Kirill Kaprizov and president of hockey operations Bill Guerin spoke with media last week, where both sides said very little about the status of contract talks. He’s grown even quieter since.

Bill Guerin GM of @mnwild joined The Power Play w/@stevekouleas & @expomick and refused to comment on the Kirill Kaprizov contract negotiations but gave an injury update for his team

Full interview:
🎧https://t.co/4qgZ8pnVcV pic.twitter.com/y5DkYMoj0W

— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) September 26, 2025

Hopes rose slightly last week, when training camp officially opened, Kirill’s agent Paul Theofanous, paid a surprise visit to TRIA Rink, where he talked with Minnesota’s chief contract negotiator for two hours. Kaprizov’s teammates suddenly seemed optimistic about where talks were heading too.

Instead, we’ve seen quite the opposite. According to The Athletic, talks between Kaprizov and the Wild appear to be at a standstill, which has been the case for weeks now — pretty much since Kirill rejected Minnesota’s record-breaking 6-year, $128 million deal back on September 10.

Craig Leipold nervously meets with media — refuses to discuss Kirill Kaprizov

But if you were already nervous about the Wild’s likelihood of signing their 28-year-old superstar to an extension before Thursday, owner Craig Leipold’s annual meeting with media probably didn’t make you feel any better.

Leipold tried to take the high road, by refusing to talk about Kirill Kaprizov. But the owner’s forced silence only made the situation seem more desperate, as Guerin and multiple other Wild executives babysat their boss to make sure he didn’t say something he’d regret.

Craig Leipold, always enthusiastic, genuine and honest given any subject, was uncharacteristically and intentionally muzzled this time around.

“I said I wasn’t going to talk about Kirill,” Leipold said when immediately asked about Kaprizov. “I really am serious. There’s nothing to gain. Everything to lose.”

Wild president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Guerin stood behind Leipold’s left shoulder listening in while chief revenue officer, Mitch Helgerson, stood behind Leipold’s right.

The Athletic

If you are a Minnesota Wild fan confused by why and how this situation has gotten so out of hand, don’t be ashamed. We’ve been told by Guerin, Leipold and media for over a year that we had nothing to worry about, when it came Kirill Kaprizov’s future in St. Paul.

Concern growing inside Minnesota Wild organization?

Now, it turns out the Wild cannot pay him all that much more than other teams, which was supposedly going to help keep him around. And if he already rejected a record-setting contract, why should MN Wild fans have hope that he is interested in signing at all?

What we don’t know is if Theofanous is just trying to squeeze more money from the Wild because he thinks Leipold will be desperate enough to ante up more, if Kaprizov just doesn’t want to be the first one to sign of the several big names entering the final year of their contracts or, to be blunt, Kaprizov simply doesn’t want to stay in Minnesota.

The Athletic

Those are all valid questions, and unfortunately, cannot be answered at this point in time. What fans have to hope is that Kaprizov’s agent is just using shrewd negotiating tactics to get his client a contract that will drop jaws in 2025, but could look outdated by the time it expires.

The NHL salary cap is going up over the next two seasons, and while $16 million per season now would be the biggest yearly salary in league history, we will probably see contracts reach $20 million per year by the end of 2026. And Kaprizov isn’t the only superstar trying to get paid right now.

Bill Guerin GM of @mnwild joined The Power Play w/@stevekouleas & @expomick and refused to comment on the Kirill Kaprizov contract negotiations but gave an injury update for his team

Full interview:
🎧https://t.co/4qgZ8pnVcV pic.twitter.com/y5DkYMoj0W

— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) September 26, 2025

It’s very possible he and his representation are waiting for Connor McDavid — widely considered the best player in hockey — to sign the deal he is currently negotiating, which will set records and possibly pave the way for others behind him (like Kaprizov) to slot into a number they can feel comfortable with.

Optimism surrounding a possible Kirill Kaprizov extension fading…?

Still, Wild insiders Michael Russo and Joe Smith (The Athletic) are no longer letting those optimistic thoughts take over his thinking, when it comes to these Kirill Kaprizov negotiations. Minnesota’s superstar has already done enough to make one of the market’s most trusted beat reporters nervous.

Because, with Kirill’s agent no longer actively participating in negotiations, the Minnesota Wild have been forced to take a step back too. And if the two sides aren’t talking… there is plenty of reason for concern.

The longer this contract stalemate goes on — and Kaprizov said, “there’s a lot of time” and reminded that he’s got “one more year” on his deal — it would seem so much easier for him to just wait and see what else is out there.

Things are at such a sensitive stage right now, it made sense why Leipold was forced into being silent on this subject Thursday night.

The Athletic

Kirill Kaprizov has scored 185 goals and totaled 386 points during his NHL career. If the 28-year-old plays a full season in 2025-26, he will have a good chance to surpass Marion Gaborik for the all-time franchise goals mark, of 219. Gaborik played 502 games in a MN Wild sweater, Kaprizov has played just 319.

Nothing about Kirill’s game is lacking. He has ELITE skating ability, incredible vision and stickhandling, responsible defense, plus a sniper-like shot that can find the back of the net from just about any angle on the ice. On top of all that, Kaprizov has plenty of dog in him.

Kirill Kaprizov might have the most underrated amount of dog in the NHL. pic.twitter.com/megCIQyX1q

— Big Head Hockey Clips (@bigheadclips) September 12, 2025

Talks between Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov stalled again

President of hockey operations Bill Guerin continues to preach patience, but fans are in borderline panic mode. Kirill Kaprizov was supposed to be locked down long-term, back in July. Guerin told us then that it was a long offseason.

Yet here we are, ready to start training camp in mid-September, and the 2020-21 Calder winner remains unsigned, beyond the 2025-26 season.

And it’s not for lack of trying, on the Wild’s end. Just last week, Kirill rejected the largest contract in league history last week, at 8 years, $128 million. According to The Athletic, the two sides have not had formal conversations since, and the Wild have been “given no direction” on how their superstar would like to proceed.

Nothing has changed since [Kaprizov turned down 8 years, $128 million], according to league sources… [and] The sides haven’t formally talked again since.

One thing is clear: The Wild have been given no direction. Kaprizov has given them no indication at this point that he wants a shorter-term deal or what the number will be to sign him to a long-term contract. The Wild are not inclined to negotiate against themselves, so it’s unclear if they’ll be making a new overture anytime soon.

Joe Smith and Michael Russo – The Athletic

But I am here to try and ease your worries, Wild fans. Because if you look in the right places, there appears to be a certain confidence brewing that a deal between our Minnesota Wild, and their superstar Kirill Kaprizov, may be closer than it seems.

Where can you hear the good word? That’s the best part. The Wild begin training camp today, but most of the players have been in town and working out during captains practice for days/weeks.

Since he returned from Russia last week, those unofficial player-run practices have included Kaprizov, who is set to meet with media for the first time on Thursday, as part of Minnesota Wild media day.

Kirill Kaprizov’s teammates extremely confident a deal will get done

However, Kirill’s teammates — including Marcus Foligno and Brock Faber — have spoken publicly in recent days, where they were asked by separate interviewers about their feelings regarding the ongoing Kaprizov negotiations.

The overwhelming narrative, from both interviews, is one of obvious confidence. In fact, you’d swear Kirill Kaprizov’s teammates know something we — and even Bill Guerin — do not.

“[Kirill is] a franchise player,. He’s so special, and those guys, you can’t let go, right? It’s going to take time. You look at a lot of the superstars in the league. It’s going to take time. (There are) things they have to go back and forth with. We’re positive that he’ll be around, knowing he’s just focused on the next game and how to win as a team this season.”

“He doesn’t need the lights or all that stuff. He’s Kirill, man. He’s low-maintenance. He’s excited to be here. He loves everything about Minnesota. He loves the guys, and we love him. I’m sure it’ll work out for everyone.”

Marcus Foligno – Quotes via The Athletic

PA: “You have seven years left on your deal. How many of those years do you think you’ll play with Kaprizov?”

Faber: “All seven of them.”

PA: I can hear the smile on your face…I know that you probably got peppered with that question, maybe in a different way…”

Faber: “Yeah, I think we’ll be alright.”

Nine to Noon with Paul Allen – KFAN Radio (9/17/25)

Minnesota Wild teammates seem to know something we don’t

There are a lot of ways that Kirill Kaprizov’s Minnesota Wild teammates could have answered these questions, without giving away the answers to the test, like they seemingly did.

We see it in pro sports all the time. ‘It’s just part of the business’ and ‘we love X player and we hope he returns’, etc. Instead, Marcus Foligno and Brock Faber took it upon themselves to suggest an imminent Kaprizov extension. Why is that notable?

Because those are they guys Kaprizov has hung out with and talked intimately with, since his return stateside last week. If anybody would know what’s going through the head of Minnesota’s superstar, it’s his teammates.

But how many more Wild training camps does the Russian superstar have remaining during his NHL career? Well, we were hoping to have more answers to that question, by this point in the offseason. Instead, Kaprizov — who has now arrived in St. Paul — remains unsigned beyond the 2025-26 season.

For months, we’ve been told by reporters, president of hockey operations Bill Guerin, and owner Craig Leipold, that there’s nothing to worry about, when it comes to Kaprizov. Up until very recently, he was back home in Russia, spending time with family and friends.

Kirill Kaprizov rejects record-breaking contract extension with Minnesota Wild

Understandably, Guerin wanted to negotiate Kirill’s deal in-person. That delayed talks until sometime within the last week. Unfortunately, the two sides were not on the same page when they did finally get the opportunity to sit down at the negotiating table recently.

According to NHL insider, Frank Seravalli, Kirill Kaprizov and his agency recently turned down a massive long-term contract offer from the Minnesota Wild that was worth 8 years, $128 million, which comes to $16 million per season. Had he signed, it would’ve been the biggest contract in NHL history.

Sources say #mnwild superstar Kirill Kaprizov’s camp turned down an extension offer believed to be 8-years, $128 million in a meeting on Tuesday in Minnesota that would have made him the highest-paid player in #NHL history in both AAV ($16 million) and total dollars.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 10, 2025

Related: MN Wild Break Out New Uniform Changes

Kaprizov’s injury last season, and inability to stay healthy throughout his career gave me hope that, if the Wild were to offer him a blockbuster contract, he wouldn’t be able to turn it down.

Kaprizov, 28, is coming off three-straight seasons where he failed to play more than 75 games. Never, in any of his five NHL seasons, has Kirill ever played a full 82-game slate. He managed 81 games played in 2021-2022.

In 2024, the uber-talented winger was hurt for exactly half of the regular season. In his 41 games, Kirill Kaprizov averaged 22:38 TOI, and played Hart Trophy-level hockey, posting 56 points, including 25 goals averaging 22:38. But not even his inability to stay on the ice consistently can hold Kaprizov’s value down, apparently.

Kirill. Kaprizov. pic.twitter.com/aBrDte2JQs

— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) April 10, 2025

Does this news mean that Minnesota Wild fans should panic or that the Russian superstar on his way out of town? Not necessarily. While it certainly isn’t good news, Kirill rebuffing Guerin’s 8-year offer isn’t the most shocking news to drop this week, nor is it necessarily a deal-breaker in negotiations.

No comment from Bill Guerin

More on that momentarily. Because, while this may not be panic-worthy yet, it’s not something local insiders Michael Russo and Joe Smith (The Athletic) are taking lightly. And when they asked Guerin about Serevelli’s report, and whether or not it’s true, the Wild PoHO declined to comment.

Wild president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Guerin declined to comment on the report. Asked if the report, if true, could mean Kaprizov simply won’t sign an extension or instead wants to negotiate a shorter-term deal, Guerin also would not comment to The Athletic.

The Athletic

Related: MN Wild Make Sneaky Depth Signing as Camp Creeps Closer

It’s possible Kaprizov turning down this historic contract has just as much to do with financials, as it does the Minnesota Wild. The NHL salary cap is expected to go up the next few years, as money from their new TV deal starts to roll in.

Thus, a record-breaking deal now could look a lot different than max-deals three to four years from now. Because of that, waiting to break the bank until 2028 or 2029 could make sense for any player of Kaprizov’s skill-level.

MN Wild may be forced to shop Kirill Kaprizov

More concerning, there have been whispers recently that the Russian superstar isn’t sold on the Wild’s future as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. And if that is the case and the two sides can’t get a short-term deal done by the start of camp, it’s “likely “could be incumbent on” Bill Guerin to start shopping him.

If Kaprizov won’t entertain a contract extension by the Wild, it could be incumbent on Guerin to get a handful of teams Kaprizov would consider a trade to. Otherwise, like Marian Gaborik in 2009, the Wild would risk losing Kaprizov for nothing next summer.

Michael Russo and Joe Smith – The Athletic

Stay tuned, because we will find out a lot more about what Kirill Kaprizov is thinking over the next week or two, as we get closer to training camp.

He will be soon, however, and his arrival in America is expected much sooner than later. So don’t worry about Kaprizov’s status for the start of the season. The Russian superstar is believed to be 100% healthwise, and ready to go for the start of camp.

But will he be in a Minnesota Wild uniform when the trade deadline rolls around in a handful of months, or one year from now, when NHL teams are preparing for 2026 training camp? That question is less of a guarantee.

MN Wild, Kirill Kaprizov to resume contract negotiations soon

Kaprizov has one year remaining on his current contract, in which he is set to make $9 million. He became eligible for a contract extension on July 1, which is expected to be in the range of $15-16 million annually.

Before a lower-body injury derailed his season, Kirill was a frontrunner for league MVP (Hart Trophy), thanks to the 23 goals and 29 assists he amassed through 37 games.

the front-runner for the hart trophy calls game
kaprizov ends it in ot
wild have won four straight pic.twitter.com/spjBpa3zkU

— Liam McHugh (@liam_mchugh) December 4, 2024

For now, negotiations are quiet. That is expected to change in the coming days, when Kirill gets back into town. What’s taking so long for Kaprizov and the MN Wild to strike a deal?

It sounds like president of hockey operations Bill Guerin was starting to feel like his long distance discussions with Kaprizov may have been getting lost in translation between him, Kirill’s agent and the greatest player in this franchise’s history.

He wants to physically be in the same room with Kirill Kaprizov, to make sure there is no miscommunication during ongoing negotiations. Beyond that, Guerin has portrayed a ton of confidence that, by the time camp ends, the in-his-prime superstar will have newly signed contract in-hand.

Craig Leipold feeling good about Kaprizov contract talks

Well, it’s been a little while since we heard from Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold, on the subject. That changed on Thursday, however, when Leipold spoke with The Athletic’s Joe Smith, who quoted him as saying “I just don’t feel like we’re that far off.”

#mnwild owner Craig Leipold sounded optimistic when it comes to getting a deal done with star Kirill Kaprizov. “I just don’t feel like we’re that far off.” Kaprizov coming back to town soon.

— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) September 3, 2025

Related: Infamous MN Wild Superstar Makes U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Now 28 years old, the 2015 5th round pick is coming off of arguably the best half-season of his career. From early October to late January, Kaprizov scored 25 goals and amassing 56 total points (41 games).

If the Minnesota Wild are going to take a step in the right direction this season, they will need that same guy to hit the ice starting game one, but even more importantly, they need him to remain in the lineup for the vast majority of their 82 games.

But first, they need to get his future in St. Paul secured. If Guerin and Leipold can not get Kirill Kaprizov under contract by the start of the season, it’s likely they start gauging trade interest from rival NHL teams. Insiders around the league, including Frank Seravalli, who believes this deal will get done by October 9.

.@frank_seravalli says he believes both Kirill Kaprizov and Jack Eichel will sign extensions before the beginning of the season, but Eichel's will come first 👀 pic.twitter.com/fwORK726n1

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 2, 2025

One very important piece that is still missing from the 2025 puzzle, however, is by far the most important one. Kirill Kaprizov has spent most of the last couple months overseas, in Russia, spending time with family and friends back in his home country.

While the 28-year-old superstar has been training and resting up for what he hopes will be the best year of his young career so far, he’s also in line for a new contract worth as much as $16 million per season, according to Michael Russo (The Athletic).

Bill Guerin talks Kirill Kaprizov return, contract talks

Guerin has preached patience to a fanbase that already feels like its waited long enough for the announcement that the best player in franchise history, bar none, will remain in a Wild sweater for the foreseeable future. Thankfully, answers may be on the horizon.

"We've been talking all summer. Things are good….Kirill loves Minnesota…I know he believes in the team. These things just take time."#mnwild GM Bill Guerin provided an update on the Kirill Kaprizov contract situation with @DanBarreiroKFAN at the Minnesota State Fair. pic.twitter.com/nt07JDOE7x

— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) August 29, 2025

“We’ve been talking all summer. Things are good, things are in a good spot. I’m comfortable with where everything is. Listen, Kirill loves Minnesota. I know he loves Minnesota, I know he believes in the team. These things just take time.”

“Look, this took up a lot of my summer so I would have loved this done [July 1]. But it just doesn’t happen that way and you have to work through it. Both sides have to be happy and comfortable with where you’re at so we take our time.”

Bill Guerin – KFAN Radio (above)

Related: Minnesota Wild Get Deal Done with Disgruntled Youngster

Billy has told inquiring media members that talks with Kirill Kaprizov will be restarted when he returns from his offseason vacation back home, when Minnesota’s PoHO can talk to his 2020-21 Calder Trophy winner face-to-face, without any concern that his message is getting lost in translation between Kirill and his agent.

In a perfect world, as Billy mentions, the MN Wild would have been able to strike a deal with Kaprizov on July 1, the first day he became eligible for an extension. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. And now, with Kirill overseas, the two sides haven’t talked since that date came and went.

Contract negotiations with the Minnesota Wild coming soon

So… when will Kirill arrive stateside? At this point in the offseason, with training camp less than three weeks away, we knew it was a matter of days/weeks, not months, before the Russian superstar landed back in America. But this weekend, we got a more specific window of time for Kaprizov’s planned return.

According to what Guerin told KFAN’s Dan Barreiro during his radio appearance at the State Fair, Kirill Kaprizov’s return flight was booked for 7-10 days from Friday, meaning we are no just a week (at most) away from Kirill landing stateside.

Barreiro: “Do we know when [Kaprizov] is getting back from Russia?”

Guerin: “Yes, we have an idea”

Barreiro: “Well, what is it?”

Guerin: “Uhhh… What’s today?”

Barreiro: “Today is August 29.”

Guerin: “I’d say 7-10 days.”

Barreiro: “Well, if he likes it so much here, why doesn’t he come back sooner?”

Guerin: “Because he doesn’t like to go back and forth, Siberia is a long ways away.”

KFAN Radio (video above)

Related: Extension Incoming for Minnesota Wild Goalie?

Of course, Guerin’s decision to pause negotiations, until he can speak to Kirill Kaprizov in person, is an understandable one. His agent, afterall, is Paul Theofanous, who is notorious for getting his clients (many of which are Russian) the largest contract possible, oftentimes outside their team of origin.

If there is one thing the Minnesota Wild cannot afford during contract negotiations with Kaprizov and Theofanous is miscommunication that causes confusion, or worse, frustration.

What does Kirill Kaprizov want from MN Wild?

At this point, we know a few things about this negotiation. For Kirill, it’s not about the final number of the contract. The Wild can pay him more than any other team. From all accounts, Kaprizov is worried about winning. Thus, Guerin’s main pitch will be Minnesota’s plan to build a Stanley Cup caliber team around him.

Joe Smith (The Athletic) at which time Guerin will be anxiously waiting to speak with the most important asset in the Minnesota Wild’s 25-year history — who’s racked up 185 goals, 201 assists and over 65 hours of ice time in his 5 NHL seasons.

Money doesn’t seem to be a hurdle here. Not the average annual value (AAV), not the bonus structure. This is all in Kaprizov’s hands and rightfully so.

Joe Smith – The Athletic

Related: Minnesota Wild Unveil Quarter-Century Celebration Plans

Bill Guerin also mentioned the other amenities in Minnesota that Kirill Kaprizov enjoys, specifically fishing and other outdoor activities he enjoys year-round. But in the end, at least with this Russian superstar, “it’s about f**king winning,” which is probably why Billy likes him so much.

Will they be able to convince Russia’s prince of hockey that, with him as their centerpiece, the MN Wild can win their first ever Stanley Cup? If not, there’s no doubt they will be start testing the trade market waters, to make sure they do not lose such a worthy asset for nothing.

So beyond his MN Wild duties, Guerin is in the process of selecting the 2026 Olympic Team, which will be built of NHL players for the first time since 2014. In the last 48 hours, in fact, Team USA announced the 44 players set to attend an upcoming orientation camp, including a couple of Americans off the MN Wild roster.

But Minnesota’s PoHO isn’t losing site of his day job obligations, either. In fact, it appears Bill Guerin has been making some headway on one of the most pressing items remaining on his MN Wild offseason to-do list.

Contract talks between MN Wild and Marco Rossi heating up

According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), the Wild have finally made a breakthrough in contract negotiations with center Marco Rossi, news that fans in Minnesota have been waiting to hear for over two years now.

Hearing there has been significant progress toward a potential Marco Rossi signing by the #mnwild in the coming days. As we've been reporting, a bridge deal makes the most sense.

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) August 21, 2025

The Minnesota Wild relegated the 23-year-old Rossi to the 3rd line during the 2024-25 NHL Playoffs, where he still managed 2 goals and an assist in 6 games (11:08 ATOI).

Sandwich that postseason demotion between lowball offers from Guerin during recent negotiations, and Rossi’s contract dispute with the Wild has become one of the ugliest in franchise history.

Related: MN Wild Teasing Massive Contract News on Local Sidewalks…?

But per Russo’s report, which came somewhat out of nowhere on Thursday, the Marco + Billy standoff may finally be reaching an end… at least for now. As Michael reiterates, this is likely to be a short-term bridge deal that will give Rossi and opportunity to increase his value as an NHL center.

If successful, it’s very plausible that the Minnesota Wild then bring Marco Rossi — who put up 60 points in 2024 (24 goals, 36 assists) — back to market to see if they can get any better offers than what they have received this offseason. That doesn’t mean Guerin hasn’t been shopping Rossi recently, though.

Minnesota Wild reengaged in Rossi trade talks too?

Thursday morning, prior to Russo’s report dropping, trusted NHL insider Jimmy Murphy (RG Media) released an article at RG.org that also reported movement in the Rossi + Wild standoff. According to Murphy, however, the shift was in Billy G’s negotiations with interested trade parties, specifically Vancouver and Seattle.

According to two different NHL sources, the Vancouver Canucks and the Seattle Kraken recently circled back with the Minnesota Wild to see where they stand in their contract talks with restricted free agent center Marco Rossi.

“Both were in on Rossi leading into and at the NHL Entry Draft, and until probably mid-July, and I’m hearing that they’ve made it clear that if it gets to the point in the next month, where contract talks between Rossi and the Wild reach a point of no return, they want to see what it would take to acquire Rossi,” one of the sources told RG.

Jimmy Murphy – RG.org

Marco Rossi is going into his fifth NHL season, but just his third as a full-timer. After playing in 21 games for the Wild between 2021-22 and 2022-23, the 5’9″ Austrian center has played back-to-back full 82-game seasons.

While his most talented teammates have struggled to remain in the lineup, Rossi has been available, allowing him to rack up 45 goals and 56 assists (101 points) in his first 185 NHL games.

Related: MN Wild Sign One-Time Shattuck St. Mary’s Rental to Pro Tryout

Unfortunately, nothing Marco’s done has won the love and affection of Bill Guerin, who’s been determined to rid the Minnesota Wild of their Rossi burden for most of the past three years.

Don’t assume that means the Wild’s president of hockey operations is willing to give his second line center away for below market value, though. The fact that Rossi remains on Minnesota’s roster is proof of that.

Yet, here we are, three weeks since Kaprizov — who’s scored 185 goals and posted 386 total points in just 5 NHL seasons (185 games) — became eligible for an extension, and there’s still no deal for the 27-year-old phenom, and hands down most talented player to every put on a Wild sweater. So, what’s the holdup?

Well, after weeks/months of trying keep Wild fans from panicking over the idea that their only true NHL superstar could ultimately end up leaving town, The Athletic’s Michael Russo is starting to question what is going on behind the scenes between Kirill and Billy G.

Kirill Kaprizov contract extension tabled until further notice

During an interview with the Daily Faceoff, Russo didn’t just raise concerns over the fact that talks between the Wild and their Russian superstar remain “not close”, following their latest round of negotiations. But according one of the league’s most respected insiders, the two sides aren’t even at the negotiating table anymore.

And apparently, the now-stalled talks aren’t expected to pick back up until Kirill Kaprizov and Bill Guerin can meet back in the Twin Cities, in person. Currently, Kirill is back home in Novokuznetsk, Russia — a south-central Russian city of 600,000, just 200 miles north of where China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia meet Russia’s southern border.

Kirill Kaprizov contract negotiations with the Wild have been put on hold (per @RussoHockey), after their latest round of talks seemingly went nowhere.

The two sides are "not close" 🫠😵‍💫 pic.twitter.com/lSC2JcRuCS

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) July 22, 2025

“Bill Guerin has been extremely publicly confident that they are going to get [a deal] done. But from what I checked on the last couple days, they are not close. It is going to be one of those things, I think at this point, they are going to take a bit of a breather here. When Kaprizov gets back into town, I think that then Bill Guerin will meet with him and just make sure that everything is being conveyed [properly] to him, and not lost in translation.”

Michael Russo – Interview with the Daily Faceoff

Russo’s unsavory report comes in the midst of a surprisingly underwhelming Minnesota Wild offseason. This, after being told for years that fireworks would undoubtedly fly in July of 2025.

What’s the holdup between the MN Wild and Kirill Kaprizov?

Since those pesky Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyout penalty shackles were removed, however, president of hockey operations Bill Guerin has done next to nothing of major significance, instead hanging onto what is now over $10 million in cap space for next season.

I mean, it’s one thing to stay patient when potentially spending big money in the outside free agency market. The Minnesota Wild, though, have failed/avoided to complete any of their in-house summer tasks too. Per Russo, the holdup in Kirill Kaprizov’s negotiations may be term.

“The question is, does he want to sign for eight years, or does he want to go shorter? If I’m him and I’m playing for a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2015, he might be willing to say ‘alright, I’ll make a commitment, but I’m only going to give you three or four years and then we’ll see where you are’, and it puts a little pressure on the organization to build a true contender here.”

Michael Russo – Interview with the Daily Faceoff

Kirill Kaprizov powerplay goal. Zeev Buium first NHL assist #mnwild pic.twitter.com/tfM5stSb6T

— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) April 25, 2025

Minnesota Wild fumbling Rossi and Kaprizov situations…?

Beyond Kaprizov, Marco Rossi (now a restricted free agent) remains on the MN Wild roster and unhappy, after being demoted to the third line during the Minnesota’s latest first round postseason exit.

Last we heard, after Wild sent him another lowball offer early in the offseason, Rossi’s agents stepped away from the negotiating table, and weeks later, have yet to returned. Minnesota Wild fans won’t shed very many tears, should Guerin deal Marco Rossi.

Related: Minnesota Wild Threatening to Leave St. Paul? Mayor Concerned…

He’s been prepping us for the 23-year-old to be traded pretty much since the moment he selected the Austrian center No. 8 overall in the 2023 NHL Draft. But if he finds a way to screw up the Kirill Kaprizov negotiation, Billy G will be run out of St. Paul.

Unfortunately, the early part of the 2025 offseason has not gone as planned. Guerin was hoping that Minnesota native Brock Nelson would choose to come home and play for the Wild. He instead re-signed in Colorado, after the Avalanche made a deal for him at the trade deadline a few months ago.

Suddenly, the top-six centerman Guerin was determined to find this offseason is becoming quite elusive. But one thing remains clear, the Minnesota Wild have little interest in turning back to their 23-year-old former first round center, who’s coming off of his first 60-point season in the NHL.

According to Michael Russo (The Athletic) Guerin and Rossi’s agency have stepped away from the negotiating table, even though the NHL Draft is now just a week out. If you’re wondering why the lack of urgency, look no further than the last time the two sides got together.

Minnesota Wild lowballing Marco Rossi on purpose…?

That’s when, per Russo, the Minnesota low-balled Marco Rossi with a short-term (2 years) contract offer worth less than $5 million AAV. This, after talks earlier this season sprouted a long-term offer (5 years) from the Wild that would have been worth a total of $25 million, more in AAV than the more recent short-term offer.

There could be an incentive to [trade Rossi] before July 1 because that’s when the pending restricted free agent would be eligible to sign an offer sheet elsewhere.

As of now, the Wild and Rossi have taken a break on negotiations. Earlier this season, the team offered Rossi a five-year, $25 million extension, which he rejected. His camp countered with a short-term deal with a high average annual value, which the Wild didn’t accept. Minnesota recently offered a two-year deal with an AAV less than $5 million, and Rossi didn’t accept that.

Michael Russo – The Athletic

In his perfect world, the Minnesota Wild would offer Marco Rossi — who scored 24 goals and assisted on 36 more last season — the same type of deal they did Matt Boldy ($7 million AAV). Of course, we know that isn’t happening as long he is negotiating with Bill Guerin.

No doubt, however, Rossi’s ask would be more than reasonable on the open-market. Which brings us back to these unserious contract negotiations. The MN Wild knew when they offered Marco Rossi a lower AAV on a short-term deal, than they did months earlier on a long-term contract, that he would reject it.

Obviously, Guerin was trying to send some sort of message through his negotiating tactics. Will they payoff? We may not know the answer to that question until years down the road. But if the Minnesota Wild want to move Marco Rossi before the 2025 NHL Draft, then it’d be in their own best interest to do it sooner than later.

Marco Rossi was hoping for Matt Boldy money

Because unless something changes drastically in Bill Guerin’s thinking, it sure doesn’t seem like a Rossi contract extension is coming before that July 1 soft deadline. The way Russo writes, it sounds like the magic number on a short-term deal would be $6 million, a number that Guerin has no interest in offering… at least for now.

[Rossi] had been looking for a long-term deal in the Matt Boldy range ($7 million) — an area the Wild have so far shown no appetite to go near. So unless the Wild change course and offer him a two- or three-year deal with a significantly higher AAV ($6 million?), the sides will remain in a stalemate.

Michael Russo – The Athletic

Related: Report: MN Wild Targeting Three Centers, Need One

Bill Guerin may not think all that highly of Marco Rossi, but that doesn’t mean he’s willing to let him go on the cheap. In Russo’s report, the longtime MN Wild insider notes that the president of hockey operations is determined to get a direct replacement for Rossi’s production, in any trade.

So far, all of the offers he has gotten have been draft picks. In fact, it sounds like the Vancouver Canucks have put their No. 15 overall pick on the table, an offer that Guerin has thus far rejected. If he is going to deal Marco for a draft pick, he needs a decent player to come back, as well.

Minnesota Wild determined to get good value in Rossi deal

Given the vibes that Guerin & Co. have been putting out on their former 2020 No. 9 overall pick, I’m not sure how he gets on the phone and asks that much from other NHL decision-makers with a straight face. Nonetheless, that’s exactly what he is doing. And from the sounds of it… he’s been on the phone A LOT.

…as far as we know, Guerin has so far been offered mostly futures for Rossi. While Guerin would likely take a player and a first-rounder and perhaps flip the first-rounder elsewhere, he definitely doesn’t want just a first-rounder.

That’s the offer (the No. 15 pick) that the Vancouver Canucks likely made for Rossi.

So we’ll see where this goes this week, but the one thing, that’s certain from talking to sources around the league, is Guerin has been on the phone a lot and seems very motivated to make trades.

Michael Russo – The Athletic

Most recently, it was a Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips who signed a new deal. Before him, there were a slew of executive extensions, including a fresh new deal for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. And of course, the waterfall of contract signatures this offseason began with an extension for head coach Kevin O’Connell.

In the three months between inking all these coaches and executives, the Minnesota Vikings signed the most expensive free agent class in the NFL, agreeing to deals with dozens of players, some new faces and plenty of familiar ones, as well.

And at this late stage of the offseason, with a month-long break between now and training camp, it’s possible we see a flurry of contract activity stir up sooner than later. Which brings us to defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

As of this morning, there was a belief that the next non-player extension would go to B-Flo, who has single-handedly taken the MN Vikings defense from one of the worst in the NFL, just a couple of years ago, to one of the hardest in the league to figure out.

Brian Flores may not be interested in extension with Minnesota Vikings

But of course, working out a new deal with Brian Flores is not that easy. He’s a former NFL head coach, who would probably still be leading his own team, if not been for his rocky departure from Miami a handful of years ago, a head coaching marriage that ended in a lawsuit against the league (and multiple teams) that is still pending.

According to Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) on the latest episode of his “Access Vikings” podcast, the longtime insider noted that, instead of signing an extension this offseason, it’s plausible Flores rides out the final year of his current deal, then hits the coaching free agency market next offseason.

Could @Vikings DC Brian Flores be on the move after this season?

The way @BenGoessling crafts his response is interesting. It doesn’t sound like an extension is imminent and even floated an idea that Flores could decide to “test the market” after this season.

“Brian Flores is… pic.twitter.com/KNUBtpu8kG

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) June 18, 2025

“Brian Flores is also in a contract year. There is, I think, interest in an extension from the team. I will be curious to see if Flores decides to sign something or if he tries to test the market because he was in those head coaching conversations last year with a couple of teams. I wonder how that’s going to go.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast

Related: Anonymous NFL Coach Gushes Over Minnesota Vikings Rookie

Many pundits have the next player extension this offseason going to LB/S, Josh Metellus, who’s agency has been working with the Vikings on a new deal going back to last offseason. But Goessling throws an unexpected wrench into that conversation, while mentioning Flores’ willingness to wait and hit the open market in 2026.

Flores unknown affecting MN Vikings’ talks with Josh Metellus…?

The longtime Minnesota Vikings insider suggests that the uncertainty surrounding Flores’ future could be playing into extension talks with Metellus. Because if B-Flo were to leave… what exactly does Josh offer the next defensive coordinator?

If Flores were to find another job elsewhere, would the Vikings be forced to put their 27-year-old swiss-army knife defender — who’s totalled 219 tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 forced fumbles in the past two seasons — back into the drawer to rust?

If so, then they wouldn’t want to sign him to a lucrative long-term extension. According to Goessling, the unknown future of Flores could be playing into how far Minnesota has been willing to go thus far with Josh Metellus.

And if he does test the market, if it’s a coordinator job somewhere else, or if it’s a head coaching job somewhere else, is whoever replaces him, you know, that could be internal. It could be Daronte Jones, it could be Mike Siravo, you know, whoever it would happen to be. Maybe that system is the same.

But if it’s not Flores, if it’s or if it’s not exactly the same. Does Martellus have the same value if somebody else is calling the plays? It’s just one of those things to kind of pinned to the clipboard, so to speak. As we’re thinking about these things and it obviously they’re gonna have to make a decision on him and tell us sooner than that, I would think. So if you’re thinking about this, keep that in the back of your mind I guess.

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast

Brian Flores has coached in the NFL for nearly 15 years, starting as a special teams assistant with the New England Patriots, before climbing the Bill Belichick ladder all the way out to Miami as head coach of the Dolphins.

After leaving South Beach with a lawsuit against the NFL in-hand, Flores landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach to Mike Tomlin. In 2023, the Minnesota Vikings hired him as defensive coordinator.

Why would Brian Flores want to test the open market?

Before he was a coach in New England, Flores was a scout for the Patriots from 2004 to 2007, something that has paid off for the Vikings in recent offseason, as he has handpicked undervalued standouts each of the past two seasons. Now, we’ll find out how much he wants to stay and add onto what he’s already built in Minnesota.

Brian Flores has gotten multiple interviews for head coaching jobs, since joining the MN Vikings’ staff. And they aren’t going to stop him from trying again, even if he signs an extension.

Related: WTF Happened to Vikings vs Steelers (Dublin) TicketMaster Queue Tuesday?

But it is possible that completely disconnecting himself from any NFL franchise, prior to the start of the 2026 coaching carousel could give him a better chance at landing a new head coaching gig. That might be what the Vikings DC is thinking.

Even if Flores decides to test the market, it’s still very possible — especially if his legal issues with the league are still pending — that he can’t find what he’s looking for. If that’s the case, he might still wind up back in Eagan, even after checking in on his options.

Only time will tell, but how it all plays into the Josh Metellus contract negotiations is worth monitoring, for sure.

From there, players will get a month or so off before they get ready to reconvene back in the south suburbs of the Twin Cities for Training Camp in mid-late July. Between now and then, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and the Vikings front office will continue ongoing contract negotiations with coaches and players.

We’ve already touched on some of the coaches who are currently working on new deals, as reported by Darren Wolfson (KSTP) this week on SKOR North. Meanwhile, the most well-known and public player negotiation currently taking place is that of Josh Metellus, a deal Wolfson and others expect to get done eventually.

Minnesota Vikings tight end looking forward to free agency next offseason…?

The same cannot be said about tight end, Josh Oliver, however. The 28-year-old former 3rd round pick out of San Jose State is also due to hit the open market next offseason.

Unlike Metellus, Oliver appears content with playing out the final year of his deal, before entering free agency next March. Don’t get it confused. Just like everyone who works for the Vikings, the 6’5″ road grading tight end likes it in Minnesota and Darren believes he’ll be open to a return.

Josh Oliver is confident in his abilities to earn more money on the open market, after one more successful season in purple. Should the Vikings rise up next offseason, as his best option for 2026 and beyond, Josh Oliver could still be back. Just no early discounts.

“If I had to bet, I’d like to think the two sides come to a happy medium eventually. That this is the next extension to get done. That it’s not Josh Oliver. I think, at this point, Josh Oliver hits unrestricted free agency next March, which my understanding, is he would be okay with.

He’s moved around already. He sure likes it here, he is banking on himself having a good year this year, then being in a position to sign a third contract, maybe even back here. But not signing a contract extension like before training camp. I don’t think that is happening unless things change. But right now, in the moment, no movement on the Josh Oliver front.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Losing Josh Oliver, who many consider to be the best blocking tight end in all of football, to free agency would be a big hit to what Kevin O’Connell wants to do offensively, especially since the Vikings are trying to be much more run-heavy, going forward with JJ McCarthy.

How much would losing Josh Oliver hurt the MN Vikings?

As a Viking, Josh Oliver has played 32 games, including 27 starts, racking up 44 receptions on 56 targets for 471 yards and 5 touchdowns, essentially doubling the numbers he had put up through the first four years of his NFL career, in Jacksonville and Baltimore.

Drafted in 2019 by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oliver spent most of his first two NFL seasons on the injured list, including all of 2020. In March 2021, after playing just four total games (3 receptions, 15 yards) with the team that used a 3rd round pick on him, Josh Oliver was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.

Related: Justin Jefferson Reveals Why He Attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs

Under John Harbaugh, Oliver became a crucial piece to the Ravens running game, but was utilized very little, outside of that role. He started only 10 games for Baltimore, in his two years there, catching 23 total passes for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Paso Robles (CA) native then hit free agency in March 2023, where he quickly found a new job with the Minnesota Vikings, inking a three-year deal worth $21 million. What’s followed has been the best seasons of his professional career.

Josh Oliver (84) is such a valuable part of the Vikings' offense and it probably doesn't get talked about enough.

9-110-1 receiving line over the last two weeks while also being maybe the best run-blocking tight end in football. A remarkable athlete at 6'5", 260. pic.twitter.com/vDwISoW3OM

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 12, 2024

Multiple times since arriving in Eagan, head coach Kevin O’Connell has gushed over how much Josh Oliver means to what KOC’s offense does on a weekly basis. But just one year from now, it sounds like one of the most underrated pieces of the Minnesota Vikings’ high-powered attack could very well leave.

Next February/March, we’ll find out how much the Minnesota Vikings really value Oliver, compared to other teams across the league, who may be able to offer him a more prominent role in the passing game, something he has proved he can handle when asked.

Josh Metellus, Vikings struggling to find sweet spot in negotiations

Metellus skipped the first few voluntary Vikings OTA sessions in May, before showing up and VERY lightly participating in their most recent workout, on June 2. It’s pretty clear that the defensive leader’s disinterest this spring is due to ongoing contract negotiations that stretch all the way back to this time last year.

Related: Multiple Insiders Still See Kirk Cousins Landing Back in Minnesota

Oddly enough, it sounds like the trip up in negotiations between Metellus and the Vikings is his position flexibility. Josh wants to be the highest paid safety in the league… but he plays more in the box than he does in the secondary. Should that work against him, though?

“On Josh Matelis I think there’s been enough dialogue and [the Vikings] and [his agent] Drew Rosenhaus have worked out enough contracts: Christian Darrisaw, Aaron Jones, I mentioned Andrew Van Ginkel, go up and down the list…that I’d like to think eventually this gets done. But I’m telling you, I’m struggling to come up with what the numbers look like.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Because linebackers and slot cornerbacks — where the former 6th round pick out of Michigan spends most of his time — are usually paid more than safeties. The problem with getting a Metellus deal done has nothing to do with lack of desire. He wants to be back in purple and, likewise, the Minnesota Vikings are motivated to bring him back.