Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Latest speculation on Kaprizov contract standoff with Wild

Originally posted on Bring Me The News
By Jonathan Harrison | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 1:56 PM ET

Speculation continues to point to the eventual inking of a deal between the Wild and star winger Kirill Kaprizov. However, with exactly two weeks left before the season opener, the 28-year-old remains without a long-term extension with the team.

Here is the latest buzz and rumors surrounding the potential record-breaking deal and what is holding it up.

"No movement"

"As of the last week, there really seemed to be no movement," said Wild insider Michael Russo on the latest episode of The Worst Seats in the House podcast. "I don't think the Wild is inclined to just give him any more money. That's the one thing. They've offered him a ton of money and I just don't see them, all of a sudden (offering) $16.5, $17, $17.5 (million). I just don't see that."

Speaking with Wild television announcer Anthony LaPanta, Russo continued to assert that the team is "confident" a deal eventually gets wrapped up between the two sides.

"The way that I think the Wild are looking at this is, 'If you don't want to be here at $16 million, we're not just going to keep upping our price to make you want to be here.' They've already offered him the biggest contract ever," Russo said.

Russo also said there's no chance the Wild will bench Kaprizov to avoid an injury crushing his trade value before he signs an extension.

"The Wild have no right, and will never pull him from the lineup, unless they're imminently going to trade him," said Russo. "You can't just pull him from the lineup and hold him hostage. This isn't the KHL, where they do do that if you're not signing a contract. The Wild cannot just not play him because he's, at this juncture, not signing."

Other unsigned stars impacting Kaprizov

Kaprizov isn't the only star player in the league looking to sign a long-term deal. including Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Vegas' Jack Eichel.

According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, those deals could have something to do with Kaprizov's contract drama. However, Dreger says he's also heard that if Kaprizov does sign an extension, it's going to be for the long term on a record-breaking deal.

"I think it was Friday, somebody, not necessarily directly involved in the Kaprizov situation but certainly aware of what's going on with [Connor] McDavid, still felt strongly that Kaprizov is likely going to extend 8x$16M if he's staying in Minnesota," Dreger said Thursday on the Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast.

Kaprizov reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128 million offer from Minnesota. The $16 million annual salary would have made him the highest-paid player in league history.

"I think Kaprizov would prefer to know what Connor is doing way more than Connor McDavid cares about what Kirill Kaprizov is going to do, or Jack Eichel is going to do in Vegas, or any pieces like that," Dreger said.