The Minnesota Wild’s general manager, Bill Guerin, has expressed his desire to avoid “total panic” among the team’s fans following Kirill Kaprizov’s rejection of a contract extension that would have set an NHL record. Kaprizov, a key figure on the team, is in the final year of his current contract, a five-year, $45 million deal that includes a no-movement clause. This means the player could become an unrestricted free agent next summer. According to reports, the Wild offered Kaprizov an eight-year extension worth $128 million, a proposal that was rejected in a recent meeting. Had it been finalized, the average annual value of the contract would have surpassed that of Leon Draisaitl’s contract with the Edmonton Oilers, which currently holds the highest AAV in the league.
Since his arrival in the NHL in 2020, Kaprizov has been a crucial element in Minnesota’s attack. In 319 games, he has accumulated 386 points, surpassing the 40-goal mark in three of his five seasons. Last season, which was cut short by injuries, he managed to score 25 goals in 41 games. The news of the extension’s rejection generated surprise and concern among Wild fans, who are questioning the player’s future with the team. Guerin emphasized the importance of remaining calm and reiterated the team’s desire to retain Kaprizov. Guerin stated that conversations with Kaprizov will continue, showing optimism about the future of the relationship between the player and the Wild.My role as general manager is to protect our players. I know two things: that information did not come from us, nor from Kirill’s agent. I don’t know where it came from. Kirill’s agent and I have a very good relationship. We are working on it. We are not going to let things like this get in the way.
Bill Guerin, General Manager of the Minnesota Wild
