Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Russian winger reportedly rejected an eight-year extension worth $128 million earlier this week, a deal that would have shattered existing NHL salary records for both average annual value ($16 million per season) and total contract value.
Kaprizov’s rejection comes on the heels of another impressive campaign, despite playing in just 41 games last season due to injury. The Russian forward still managed to post 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists), maintaining his elite production rate that has made him one of the NHL’s most coveted players.
Since joining the Wild in 2020-21, Kaprizov has established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive talents, winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in his debut season and consistently ranking among the NHL’s top scorers.
With Kaprizov playing hard-to-get on the record-breaking extension, questions now swirl around his long-term future in Minnesota. The Wild have made clear their willingness to make him the highest-paid player in league history, but the rejection suggests contract negotiations may be more complex than initially anticipated.
The 28-year-old forward is signed through the 2025-26 season under his current five-year, $45 million deal, giving both sides time to work out a long-term arrangement. However, his reluctance to accept what would be a historic contract raises eyebrows about his commitment to remaining in Minnesota long-term.
The Wild organization and fans will be watching closely as contract talks continue, hoping to secure their franchise cornerstone before he potentially tests the open market.
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