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Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov Could Set NHL Salary Record Amid Stalled Extension Talks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 8:53 AM ET

The Minnesota Wild may be entering dangerous territory with Kirill Kaprizov as the Russian winger enters his final season under contract with the organization.

According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, appearing on Daily Faceoff's "DFO Rundown" on Tuesday, contract negotiations between the franchise and its star winger are "not close" as training camp looms just two months away.

"(Wild general manager) Bill Guerin has been extremely publicly confident that they’re going to get it done," Russo said. "But from what I checked on the last couple of days, they are not close."

Kaprizov, 28, has one year left on his five-year, $45 million contract. Although all signs point to the forward signing an extension with the Wild, the latest reports paint a murkier picture of the situation.

Michael Russo gives an update on the Kirill Kaprizov contract negotiations

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Kaprizov might be using his leverage against a team that hasn’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2015, and that is most likely going to pay whatever is needed to keep their cornerstone in tow.

Russo noted that Kaprizov could favor a short-term deal—three or four years—rather than a full eight-year max, potentially giving himself another shot at free agency in his prime.

"This is a franchise that has never had a superstar like Kaprizov," Russo said. "It’s imperative that they get him done, and it’s not going to be for $14 million.

"He will become the highest-paid winger in the NHL, and the question is how much, and how long."

Although Russo framed Kaprizov's $14 million-plus demand as one potentially putting him atop the winger salary ranks, the figure has a larger meaning.

If Kaprizov signs a new contract with an annual cap hit of $14 million or more, he'd become the highest-paid player across the NHL, without regard for position.

Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl currently leads all NHL players with a $14 million annual salary, while Vegas Golden Knights' Mitchell Marner and Dallas Stars ' Mikko Rantanen lead all wingers at $12 million.

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

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