-
Greg Wyshynski
Bill Guerin, the chief manager of the Minnesota Wild, expressed his desire to prevent widespread concern among the team’s supporters. This comes after reports surfaced that prominent winger Kirill Kaprizov declined a contract extension that would have set a new record in the NHL.
Kaprizov is currently playing under the final year of a five-year contract worth $45 million, which includes a clause preventing any trades without his consent. He is eligible to become a free agent without restrictions next summer. According to NHL reporter Frank Seravalli, the Wild presented him with an eight-year contract extension valued at $128 million, which Kaprizov and his representative turned down during a meeting on Tuesday.
The proposed average annual value of $16 million would have exceeded Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl’s contract by $2 million, making it the highest AAV in the NHL. Furthermore, the total value of the agreement would have surpassed the 13-year, $124 million contract that Alex Ovechkin signed with the Washington Capitals in 2008, which remains the most lucrative in NHL history.
During his appearance on the “10,000 Takes” program on Wednesday night, Guerin mentioned that he was uncertain about how the details were leaked to the public.
“My responsibility as the general manager is to safeguard our players,” he stated. “I am certain of two things. This information did not originate from our side, nor did it come from Kirill’s agent. I am unsure of its source. Kirill’s agent and I maintain a strong working relationship. We are navigating through these matters. We will not permit such occurrences to impede our progress.”
Since joining the NHL from Russia in 2020, Kaprizov has been a significant offensive contributor for Minnesota. He has accumulated 386 points in 319 career games with the Wild, surpassing the 40-goal mark three times in five seasons. In the previous season, he scored 25 goals in 41 games, which was shortened due to injuries.
Paul Theofanous, Kaprizov’s agent, did not immediately provide a response when asked for a statement.
The report regarding Kaprizov’s rejection of the extension caused considerable alarm within the hockey community — especially among the Wild’s fanbase — regarding his long-term prospects with the team.
“I want to avoid a situation where our fanbase enters a state of complete panic,” Guerin emphasized. “My utmost concern is Kirill and ensuring that he is not placed in an unfavorable position. We deeply value him. He is an exceptional individual and an outstanding player. We want him to remain with us.”
Guerin conveyed to “10,000 Takes” his belief that the Wild are “in a genuinely favorable position with Kirill” and that negotiations will proceed.
