NHL Rumors: Mixed feelings regarding Kirill Kaprizov KHL deal; some say it’s a bluff

Originally posted on The Daily Goal Horn | Last updated 8/12/21

Kirill Kaprizov has a tentative deal in place CSKA Moscow in the KHL. The tactic is to moved the needle in contract talks with the Minnesota Wild.

According to Frank Seravalli, there’s been no offer made since April. If a deal with the Wild can’t be reached by September 1, Kaprizov could be playing in Russia.

Although the deal is believed to be at least in the $10,000,000 range, many are not buying this as a legitimate threat.

Kirill Kaprizov’s KHL Bluff?

Andy Strickland, who hosts the Cam and Strick Podcast is calling this move, “one of the worst bluffs in sports history.” He reports that CSKA budget has already been spent and then cites the cap at around $12 million U.S..

One of the worst bluffs in sports history! CSKA budget has been spent plus there's a cap that comes in around $12 million U.S. https://t.co/LC72uKwx9v
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) August 10, 2021

This was also backed by reporter, Aivis Kalnins. “I have no clue why people are buying it and why people are reporting KHL as a possible challenger for Kaprizov,” he said.

Literally what Andy said. I have no clue why people are buying it and why people are reporting KHL as a possible challenger for Kaprizov. https://t.co/ChNAv9CkCx
— Aivis Kalniņš (@aiviskalnins) August 11, 2021

Bluff or not, Kaprizov’s move may have worked

Kaprizov, 24, reportedly is looking for a shorter deal, while the Wild would like to lock in their budding star to a long-term contract.

Per Kaprizov’s camp, they had not received an offer from the Wild after they rejected an 8 year deal back in April. This KHL tactic may have worked as it seems GM Bill Guerin is willing to now do a short-term deal.

“You’ve got to understand the other side and where they’re coming from,” Guerin said in July. “They’re trying to accomplish something and so are we. I think when there’s maybe a bit of a disagreement, it just takes a little bit more time to come to a compromise.”

The latest reports indicate that the two sides continue to talk and the belief is a deal will be reached.

This article first appeared on The Daily Goal Horn and was syndicated with permission.

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