The Minnesota Wild have big plans for star forward Kirill Kaprizov. Owner Craig Leipold announced that they intend to sign Kaprizov to a long-term contract once he becomes eligible on July 1. This is crucial because Kaprizov is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season. At 27 years old, the Russian player still has two seasons left on his current five-year, $45 million contract.
Leipold emphasized that Kaprizov will be a central figure in the team’s future plans. He expressed confidence that the Wild will offer the best deal in terms of both money and contract length. The goal is to show Kaprizov that the team is committed to winning and that he is a key part of their strategy moving forward.
Financially, the Wild will have more flexibility after this season. The buyouts of forward Zach Parise and defenseman Ryan Suter will result in a lower salary cap hit of $833,333 each per season, as opposed to the much higher amount they command this season. Leipold is optimistic about the team’s financial situation and sees the upcoming free agency period as an opportunity to strengthen the roster.
Kaprizov’s performance on the ice speaks for itself. He led the Wild in goals (46) and points (96) in 75 games last season. As the Calder Trophy winner for NHL rookie of the year in 2020-21, Kaprizov has proven himself to be a dynamic and impactful player. With 330 points (160 goals, 170 assists) in 278 career games with the Wild, he is an essential part of the team’s success.
Looking ahead to the future, Leipold is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. He hinted at potential moves in the next free agency period but kept the specifics under wraps for now. The focus remains on securing Kaprizov’s long-term commitment to the team and building a competitive roster for the seasons to come.
Overall, the Minnesota Wild’s decision to prioritize signing Kirill Kaprizov to a long-term deal demonstrates their dedication to building a winning team. With financial flexibility and a star player leading the way, the future looks promising for the Wild and their fans.