When news broke that Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov turned down an NHL-record eight-year, $128 million contract offer from the team, it sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world. All summer long, there had been rumors that the two sides could come to terms on a new deal ahead of the season starting, but this news was very interesting.
Kaprizov has wanted a massive deal, but for him to turn this contract down opens the door for other moves. This doesn’t mean that the star won’t stay in Minnesota, but it’s certainly something that the Wild needs to figure out.
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Kirill Kaprizov Contract Leak Could Complicate Everything
According to NHL insiders Joe Smith and Michael Russo, things may not be great between the two sides. Minnesota could be embarrassed that the terms of the deal were leaked and that Kaprizov hasn’t accepted it.
“But make no mistake: There’s no way either side is happy this got out in the public eye. It’s embarrassing for the Wild that people know Kaprizov hasn’t accepted such a monster deal. And it sure doesn’t make Kaprizov look great,” Smith and Russo wrote.
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Kaprizov has been a star since he entered the league, and he has carried the Wild since. Last season with Minnesota, he dealt with some injuries but still managed to score 25 goals and 31 assists over 41 regular-season games played.
Whatever happens with Kaprizov will determine the path of this franchise for the next decade. Kaprizov remains a high priority for Minnesota, but it seems that everything could remain fluid with his future.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 11, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.