Nick Wosika-Imagn Images

Wild's Kirill Kaprizov Shuts Down Contract Questions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 8:15 AM ET

Kirill Kaprizov broke his silence on Thursday as the Minnesota Wild opened training camp, addressing his future for the first time since reports surfaced of him turning down a record-setting extension.

The 28-year-old winger, entering the final season of a five-year, $45 million deal, made clear he will not discuss contract matters publicly.

Kaprizov, who reportedly rejected an eight-year, $128 million offer earlier this month, deflected all questions to his agent, Paul Theofanou, who surprisingly attended the first day of camp.

“My agent talks with Billy and the team,” Kaprizov said. “It’s not my job right now. I just want to focus and be ready for the season and keep playing, and that’s it.”

Kirill Kaprizov deflects contract questions as Wild open camp: ‘It’s my job to focus just on hockey’ https://t.co/iYl68iX6LS
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 18, 2025

Kaprizov emphasized his commitment to Minnesota and downplayed the contract speculation, again sidestepping deeper explanations.

“Yeah, you guys know I like Minny,” Kaprizov said. “Everyone knows. We have a lot of time. It’s just 2025. It’s one more year I have.”

Pressed further on whether he worries about injury risks after missing 41 games last season, potentially limiting his demands on in-season negotiations for a new contract, Kaprizov remained firm in keeping his focus on hockey and avoided putting his mind on any worst-case scenario.

“I don’t think about if I’m hurt or not,” Kaprizov said. “I just want to be healthy and play all year.”

Wild general manager Bill Guerin also kept negotiations behind closed doors, but reiterated Kaprizov’s importance to the franchise, saying re-signing the Russian is still Minnesota's no. 1 priority.

Kaprizov, who has three 40-goal seasons and a Calder Trophy (NHL's Rookie of the Year award) since joining the Wild in 2020, said his priority is starting the season strong and avoiding missing time due to injuries.

“Obviously, hope we can start the same,” Kaprizov said. “Don’t play just half of the year like this and go into the playoffs.”

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

More must-reads: