NHL insider Chris Johnston has reported that Kirill Kaprizov is expected to sign a substantial contract extension with the Minnesota Wild, potentially exceeding Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million annual salary. Kaprizov is approaching the final year of his current five-year, $45 million contract and will be 29 years old when it expires. Although he has been eligible to negotiate an extension since July 1, the details are still being finalized, but a deal appears imminent.
Johnston is confident Kaprizov will receive a higher average annual value (AAV) than Draisaitl, estimating it around $15 million per season.
“Kaprizov could be available. I would be surprised if he doesn’t sign in Minnesota. It sounds like they will give him whatever he wants. I believe he’ll get more than Draisaitl,” Johnston said on SDPN (59:50).
Contract Terms and Future Projections
Leon Draisaitl currently earns $14 million per year, and Kaprizov’s deal is anticipated to surpass this figure once it begins. Johnston noted that although the contract’s financial impact will start on July 1, 2026, making it unlikely Kaprizov will ever officially hold the title of highest-paid player, his salary will still rank among the league’s top paychecks. The agreement is also expected to be an eight-year deal, indicating Minnesota’s commitment to Kaprizov’s long-term presence.
“I guess he wouldn’t (be the highest-paid player), because the contract doesn’t kick in till July 1st, 2026, even if he signs it now. And by that point, McDavid will be signing somewhere—or will have signed somewhere with the Oilers. So he may never actually be the exact highest-paid, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets something like $15 million. If he’s signing, he’s going to be one of these last remaining guys who gets an eight-year deal, I think, if he stays in Minnesota,” Johnston added.
Kaprizov’s Performance and Role with the Wild
Kirill Kaprizov is widely recognized as one of the NHL’s top talents and has been selected for the All-Star game five times. The Russian winger recorded 25 goals and 31 assists for a total of 56 points in 41 games last season, despite some injury setbacks. His career-best is 108 points, underscoring his offensive capabilities.
Kaprizov’s impact was crucial in the Minnesota Wild’s push to the playoffs last season, where he contributed 5 goals and 4 assists across 6 postseason games.
General Manager Bill Guerin’s Commitment to Kaprizov
Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin has expressed a strong desire to keep Kaprizov with the team for his entire career, emphasizing the player‘s importance to the franchise. Guerin is optimistic about securing an extension, highlighting the mutual fit between the player and the organization.
“I think Kirill likes it here, it’s a good fit. We obviously love him, he’s a great player,” said Guerin on The FAN Hockey Show on Sportsnet. “These are things that sometimes just take time, and you just have to work through it, but we want Kirill here for his entire career, and we’ll just work through it.”
The Wild’s commitment to Kaprizov signals their intention to build around their star, aiming to maintain a competitive roster in the seasons ahead. Securing his future with an elite contract could position both Kaprizov and the team for sustained success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why isn’t Leon Draisaitl in 4 nations?
A. Leon Draisaitl won’t participate either since No. 8-ranked Germany doesn’t have enough NHL players to form a complete team.