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NHL Insider Links Kirill Kaprizov to New York Rangers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 1:38 PM ET

Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov has been in the headlines lately, reportedly turning down a massive extension with the team. This has opened the door for a potential trade of the star, and teams around the NHL have been paying close attention.

Kaprizov remains one of the better players in the entire league, and he was extremely productive last season, despite some injuries limiting his ice time. In 41 games for the Wild, Kaprizov put up 25 goals and 31 assists.

It remains to be seen if Minnesota will trade Kaprizov, but if the contract negotiations continue to stall out, their hands may be forced.

Kirill Kaprizov to the New York Rangers?

According to NHL insider Jeff Marek, one team to possibly watch in the Kaprizov sweepstakes is the New York Rangers. Due to the team potentially letting star Artemi Panarin's contract expire at the end of this coming season, New York could have a big opening on the roster.

Jeff Marek: Artemi Panarin's on the last year of his contract, there is not a hint or a whisper of a contract extension; can anyone else see Kirill Kaprizov sliding into that spot? - Sekeres & Price (9/17)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) September 18, 2025

There have been plenty of rumors all offseason about the Rangers setting themselves up for a big move next offseason, with Panarin being involved. New York has been rumored to either desire to trade Panarin to clear up cap space or allow him to finish the year without retaining him.

This could set them up to go after someone like Kaprizov, who could thrive playing in New York City. Kaprizov is the type of star that could help the Rangers get right back into Stanley Cup contention, and it's something that the team has likely been monitoring.

There would need to be a few things to go down for this pairing to happen, but weirder things have happened before. Don't sleep on the Rangers as a true landing spot for the star if he is actually available.

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

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