Wild GM Admits Overpaying Kirill Kaprizov to Avoid Worst-Case Scenario

Kaprizov, 28, signed an eight-year, $136 million extension that begins in 2026–27, making him the NHL’s highest-paid player at $17 million per year.

That figure eclipsed the historic deals signed by Alexander Ovechkin (in total money, $124 million over 13 years) and Leon Draisaitl (highest annual salary, at $14 million per year).

After this week's developments, however, Kaprizov's contract also dwarfed those signed by Connor McDavid ($12.5M AAV), Jack Eichel ($13.5M), and Kyle Connor ($12M).

Put against that background, LeBrun described the Wild's deal as an “overpay,” but a necessary one.

Guerin said that while the figures agreed to by other elite players may look more modest, they don’t reflect what it takes to keep a superstar in Minnesota.

“That’s great for those other teams, but it’s still great for us that we have him for nine years,” Guerin said. “If we let him go or even flirt with it, who knows? The worst-case scenario is definitely that he leaves. It’s worse than paying him $17 million.”

LeBrun pointed out that Kaprizov’s salary will double that of every one of his teammates next season, and the awkwardness that might bring to the Wild's locker room.

For Guerin, however, it's all about context. Minnesota isn’t a tax-free state, isn't always sunny, and it lacks the market pull of franchises like Vegas or New York.

“People say (call the agent’s bluff and let the player walk and replace him in free agency),” Guerin said. “That’s easy to say behind a keyboard or from whatever. I don’t apologize or feel like I have to defend it. We did what we felt we had to do to keep our player.”