Reporter suggests Wild could make Kirill Kaprizov highest paid player in the league

Originally posted on Bring Me The News | By Tony Liebert | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 12:51 PM ET

There is no offseason storyling bigger for the Wild this year than star forward Kirill Kaprizov's looming contract extension. The Athletic's Michael Russo joined Paul Allen on his nine-to-noon radio show on Tuesday, and he suggested Kaprizov will be the highest-paid player in the league.

"It would make me a little nervous, but I also understand that is the price of doing business right now for him," Russo said. "They are going to make him the highest-paid player in the league."

.@RussoHockey joined @PAOnTheMic on #92Noon and discussed the Wild potentially signing Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year, $120 million contract extension.
Listen to the entire segment on the @iheartradio app! pic.twitter.com/45smrS7KgU
— KFAN1003 (@KFAN1003) June 10, 2025

Kaprizov just turned 28, and 2025-26 is the last season of his current five-year, $45 million deal. Russo suggested a potential eight-year, $120 million contract extension.

Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews was the highest-paid player in the NHL in 2024-25, making $13.25 million annually. Russo's suggested deal for Kaprizov would pay him $15 million annually.

"This organization has never had a superstar, and you've got to pay him to keep him," Russo continued. "Because there are a lot of teams out there, with the cap going up, that have a lot of cap space, that can sign him in a year."

Kaprizov was banged up last season, playing in only 41 games, but he still finished with 56 points. His best career season came in 2021-22, when he scored 108 points with 47 goals and 61 assists. He has proven himself as one of the best players in the league, and it's a no-brainer for Minnesota to lock him down long-term.

This article first appeared on Bring Me The News and was syndicated with permission.

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