It’s been a long negotiation process that started in April, but the Minnesota Wild announced on Tuesday a new deal for Kirill Kaprizov.
Terms of the deal are 5 years, worth $45 million ($9M AAV).
The team announced the signing with a video using Russian nesting dolls.
Kaprizov signs 5 year extension
When it comes to Kaprizov, good things come to those who wait. That was the case for the Wild after they drafted him in 2015, taking over 5 years to finally see him in the NHL.
They were rewarded with a Calder Trophy winning campaign.
Last season, Kaprizov led all rookies in goals (27), points (51) and power-play goals (eight) in 55 games this past season. His totals in goals, assists (24) and points served as records by a rookie in franchise history.
Things weren’t too different when it came to this negotiation that was a roller coaster of a ride for everyone involved. From threatening to play in the KHL or a possible holdout, things looked precarious.
“I’m disappointed that we don’t have him signed, but we are not the only team in this situation,” Guerin said over the weekend. “Training camp starts next week. And when that starts, we’re gonna focus on the guys we have there. This happens all the time, but we’ll just move ahead.”
And move ahead he did, as the two sides hammered out a deal that worked for everyone. Kaprizov is now in the fold just in time for camp. The new deal comes with an AAV of $9 million making him the highest paid player on the team.
More must-reads: