BREAKING NEWS: Minnesota Wild: Keeping Kirill Kaprizov is ‘No. 1 priority’ in off season after the new…see more

The Minnesota Wild have made it clear that re-signing star forward Kirill Kaprizov is their top priority this offseason. Owner Craig Leipold emphasized that the team plans to offer Kaprizov both the highest salary and the longest contract possible when he becomes eligible for an extension on July 1, 2025. Leipold stated, “Nobody will offer more money than us, or longer [years], so all we have to do is prove to him that we want to win.”

Kaprizov, who is currently in the final two years of his five-year, $45 million contract, led the Wild with 96 points (46 goals, 50 assists) in the 2023-24 season. He has been a consistent offensive force since joining the NHL, totaling 330 points (160 goals, 170 assists) in 278 career games.

General Manager Bill Guerin is already strategizing to secure Kaprizov for the long term under the salary cap. The team anticipates increased financial flexibility after this season, as the buyout penalties for former players Zach Parise and Ryan Suter will decrease significantly, potentially providing the Wild with approximately $17.5 million in additional cap space.

Kaprizov is eligible to sign an eight-year extension with Minnesota starting July 1, 2025. If he reaches unrestricted free agency, he could sign a seven-year contract with another NHL team.