Kaprizov Contract Talks Hit Roadblock as Camp Rejects Initial Eight-Year Offer
ST. PAUL, MN – Negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and star winger Kirill Kaprizov have encountered an early snag, as Kaprizov’s camp has rejected an initial eight-year contract offer with an average annual value (AAV) of $16 million, according to a report from The Hockey News. The rejection throws the future of the franchise’s cornerstone player into question as he approaches unrestricted free agency.
The offer, while substantial, was predicated on the assumption that a $16 million cap hit would be sufficient to secure a long-term deal – at least five years in length. Though, recent contracts signed by other elite players suggest that Kaprizov’s market value might potentially be higher.Last year, Leon Draisaitl signed an eight-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers carrying a $14 million AAV, and the potential for kaprizov to command a salary closer to the maximum $19.1 million could necessitate a revised offer from the Wild.
Negotiations are in their early stages, having only begun in earnest after Kaprizov arrived in Minnesota ahead of training camp in recent days. The reason for the rejection remains unclear,potentially stemming from disagreements over salary structure,bonus arrangements,trade protection clauses,or Kaprizov’s preference for a shorter-term contract.
Despite Kaprizov’s status as the Wild’s most impactful offensive player, his career resume doesn’t yet match the accomplishments of players like Draisaitl and Nathan MacKinnon, who have recently secured record-setting contracts.Kaprizov has yet to reach 50 goals in a season, has only surpassed 100 points once, and has never finished in the top five of MVP voting. Analysts at AFP Analytics estimate his market value to be closer to the $14 million range, even accounting for a projected salary cap increase to $104 million.
As entering the NHL in 2020-21, Kaprizov has recorded 386 points in 319 games, ranking 15th in the league. His 1.21 points per game average places him 10th but still 224 points behind Connor McDavid’s production over the last five years. The Wild now face the challenge of determining how far they are willing to exceed market value to retain their star player.
