Elliotte Friedman Links Kirill Kaprizov’s Payday to Connor McDavid’s Next Deal

Kaprizov, 28, is entering the final year of a five-year, $45 million contract. He has led the Wild in scoring since arriving in the USA in 2020 after starting his professional career in Russia, having three 40-goal seasons already on his resume.

Last year, Kaprizov scored 25 goals and 31 assists in 41 games before adding nine points in six playoff contests.

Friedman's bold prediction comes just two days after he strongly suggested tampering is influencing the Wild star’s contract talks with Kaprizov.

Appearing on Tuesday’s “The FAN Hockey Show,” Friedman said he could not otherwise explain why Kaprizov would turn down an eight-year, $128 million offer.

“I do believe there has been tampering, slash whispering, going on,” Friedman said. “I’ll never be able to prove it, but I believe it.”

Turning down $16 million annually shocked many across the league, with Friedman suggesting Kaprizov’s camp must have knowledge of potential offers elsewhere.

The Athletic's Michael Russo echoed that view, noting another team could present a maximum 20 percent offer if the salary cap rises, potentially worth $19 million to $20 million per year.

McDavid, meanwhile, has one year left on his eight-year, $100 million contract. The consensus belief is that the Edmonton Oilers captain may not chase a record-breaking number on his next deal, mindful of Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million and Darnell Nurse’s $9.25 million salaries.

McDavid is expected to prioritize giving the Oilers some room to build a stronger long-term contender around him than earning as much money as possible.