Latest Wild contract rumors: Kaprizov, Rossi — and a sidewalk conspiracy

Will Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi be signed to extensions with the Minnesota Wild before the team reports to training camp on September 18?

According to an insider report Tuesday from Joe Smith and Michael Russo of The Athletic (subscription required), the Wild and Rossi's camp haven't engaged in contract talks since early June — and Kaprizov is currently in Russia and talks aren't likely to resume until general manager Bill Guerin and Kaprizov can meet face-to-face in Minnesota next month. 

Rossi, 23, has reportedly turned down a five-year, $25 million offer, and Smith says it could be a "waiting game until the next pressure point in negotiations" arrives at the start of training camp. 

In the meantime, Rossi, who is coming off a 60-point season (24 goals, 36 assists), hasn't received an offer sheet from teams around the league. Minnesota has the right to match any offer Rossi gets, so this appear to be a game of contractual chicken. 

As for Kaprizov, the report from Smith and Russo indicates that money won't be an issue with the Wild. Instead, it's a matter of whether or not Kaprizov wants to sign a long-term extension to stay with the only team he's played for during his five-year career.

The insider hockey duo suggests an eight-year, $120 million deal ($15 million per season) is not out of the realm of possibilities. The maximum a player can receive is 20% of next season's $95.5 million salary cap, which is approximately $19.1 million. 

The highest-paid player in the league at the moment is Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl at $14 million annually, though that's going to change whenever Connor McDavid signs his next contract. Like Kaprizov, McDavid is entering the final year of his contract with the Oilers. 

Lastly, there's a conspiracy theory that the Minnesota Wild are teasing good news about a Kaprizov contract through a membership marketing campaign that has Kaprizov's signature above the campaign's "Here To Stay" slogan printed on a sidewalk. 

Specifically, the advertisement is stamped on the sidewalk at the intersection of Lyndale and Franklin avenues in Minneapolis. Coincidence? We'll let you decide...