The Minnesota Wild’s leadership group expects Kirill Kaprizov to re-sign with the team despite ongoing contract negotiations.
“He’s a franchise player. He’s so special, and those guys, you can’t let go, right? It’s going to take time. You look at a lot of the superstars in the league. It’s going to take time. (There are) things they have to go back and forth with. We’re positive that he’ll be around, knowing he’s just focused on the next game and how to win as a team this season.”
That’s what alternate captain Marcus Foligno told The Athletic’s Joe Smith.
Kaprizov’s entering the final year of his current deal. He became extension eligible July 1.
The pending unrestricted free agent reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128-million offer. That would’ve been the richest contract in NHL history.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin refuted that report. Kaprizov hasn’t commented on the situation but said in May that he loves “everything” about playing in Minnesota.
Captain Jared Spurgeon said the team won’t be distracted if negotiations continue into the regular season.
“It’s the business side of things. It’s up to (Guerin) and him to go through that stuff. It doesn’t affect us. Everyone goes through it in their career. And everyone has those years where you’re coming into a contract negotiation. We’d love to have him here as long as he wants.”
Spurgeon’s captained the Wild for the past five seasons.
Kaprizov carries the team’s highest cap hit at $9.5 million. He’s registered 386 points in 319 games since arriving from the KHL prior to the 2020-21 season.
Minnesota’s preseason begins Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets.
