Frank Seravalli Sends Clear Message on Latest Kirill Kaprizov Trade Rumors

According to Seravalli, who originally reported the news, the 28-year-old reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128 million extension — a deal that would have been the richest in NHL history.

Kaprizov, entering the final season of his five-year, $45 million contract, downplayed the drama at the start of camp, directing questions about his contract toward his agent.

“Yeah, you guys know I like Minny,” Kaprizov told reporters. “Everyone knows. We have a lot of time. It’s just 2025. It’s one more year I have.”

On Monday, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman revealed that Kaprizov felt “embarrassed” and “disappointed” about his contract rejection being leaked publicly.

Seravalli, meanwhile, noted Kaprizov's preference remains staying in Minnesota if an extension can eventually be finalized.

“I still think that the player in this case has made it his priority and preference to be part of the Wild,” Seravalli said.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin has denied talk of a submitted trade list, and the organization has maintained it will not entertain offers for Kaprizov, naming his contract extension as the No. 1 priority this season.

Still, speculation will continue, especially given New York’s monitoring of the situation. Vincent Mercogliano of The Athletic confirmed over a week ago that the Rangers are, indeed, keeping a close eye, citing Kaprizov’s ties to agent Paul Theofanous and friendships with current Rangers players Igor Shesterkin and Vladislav Gavrikov.

“Of course, there’s a long way to go and there’s clearly some posturing going on here,” Mercogliano wrote. “But I’ve heard the Rangers would be on his short list, and we know Drury has growing cap space and a desire to reshape the core. I expect them to be aggressive if he ever becomes available.”

Kaprizov is coming off a 25-goal, 31-assist season in just 41 games, missing the second half of the year sidelined with an injury. He returned in the playoffs to notch nine more points in six outings.