Wild Confía en Guerin por Kaprizov: ¿Renovación en la NHL?

Kirill Kaprizov and his future with the Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild have yet to secure the continuity of their star, Kirill Kaprizov, beyond the current season through a long-term contract. The owner, Craig Leipold, remains patient, trusting general manager Bill Guerin and his team to carry out the negotiations.

Billy is the one. He is the one who negotiates, no matter who it is, and that is his responsibility and his role.

Craig Leipold

Although the relationship between the club and Kaprizov’s camp is less clear, both sides avoid revealing details about whether a new agreement is viable before the start of the regular season, which is two weeks away from starting. Kaprizov has accumulated 386 points in 319 regular season games and 21 points in 25 playoff games. Kaprizov expressed his affection for Minnesota, considering it his “second home” and expressing his desire to focus on playing hockey, winning games, and advancing in the playoffs. Last year, Leipold was confident that no other team could offer Kaprizov a better contract. However, negotiations did not materialize over the summer, and the 28-year-old player has been on the ice with the team for a week without any news. Leipold acknowledges the importance of Kaprizov, but also emphasizes that the team is more than just one player. A complicating factor is the increase in the salary cap and the presence of other unsigned stars for next season.

That’s a lot of new money in the system that, frankly, one or two years ago, we had no idea would be available. So, yes, things change, but we have to change with them.

Craig Leipold

Leipold spoke during the Wild’s first preseason game at the Grand Casino Arena, a venue that has boosted the city’s economic and social activity since its opening. The team has initiated conversations about a stadium renovation to compete with other NHL venues. Regarding the possibility of the Wild finally getting past the first round of the playoffs, something they’ve only achieved three times in their history, Leipold is optimistic.

I believe in hard work and preparation. I like our team. I hope we have luck and no injuries. I think this could be a really special year.

Craig Leipold