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Analysts Suspect Tampering Is Influencing Kirill Kaprizov’s Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 27, 2025 9:30 AM ET

Kirill Kaprizov’s contract standoff has become one of the NHL’s most scrutinized storylines, with insiders suggesting tampering is influencing the Minnesota Wild star’s decision-making.

The Athletic's Michael Russo appeared on the “Worst Seats in the House” podcast and said he thinks the Wild fear tampering could be involved.

"(Wild owner Craig) Leipold is getting absolutely nervous about this,” Russo said.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman made it clear during an appearance on “The Fan Hockey Show” on Tuesday that he believes tampering has taken place. In Friedman's eyes, that is the only explanation for Kaprizov rejecting an eight-year, $128 million extension.

Russo appeared on "The Sheet with Jeff Marek" on Friday and said Minnesota shares those concerns, with whispers circulating that rival clubs have made it known that larger offers await if Kaprizov reaches the open market.

Michael Russo: Re Kirill Kaprizov: There's definitely teams out there that would put out the 'Brinks Truck' for him, Carolina is definitely one of those teams; but there's a million other teams as well - The Sheet (9/26)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 26, 2025

“I know that the Wild are definitely worried about it, and if it’s going on, they’ll try to deal with it,” Russo said. “It’s very clear that Kirill Kaprizov is going to be a wanted man if he ever gets to market. And there’s definitely teams out there that would put out the Brink's truck for him.”

Kaprizov, 28, turned down the offer earlier this month, leaving negotiations at a standstill. He is entering the final season of a five-year, $45 million contract, and is set to become a free agent in July 2026.

Russo noted that talks have not resumed since the reported rejection.

Since joining the Wild in 2020, Kaprizov has emerged as one of the league’s elite wingers, averaging 1.21 points in 319 games.

Last season, Kaprizov posted 25 goals and 31 assists in just 41 games before adding nine points in six playoff contests once he returned from injury.

The situation leaves Minnesota in a precarious position, with Kaprizov’s talent ensuring interest, in Russo's words, from “a million teams.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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