Kirill Kaprizov’s Return to Training Camp
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Kirill Kaprizov took to the ice for the Minnesota Wild’s training camp, radiating enthusiasm and a youthful spirit, although he faced questions regarding his contract situation. His long-anticipated return to the rink came four months after the Wild’s departure from the playoffs, and he reassured fans that he is committed to the franchise he affectionately refers to as his “second home”—the Twin Cities, a sentiment he shared as he looks to further his career in the NHL.
“I really enjoy my time in Minnesota, and everyone knows that. I still have a year left on my contract before 2025, so I’m focused on hockey, winning games, and getting back into the playoffs,”
Kaprizov explained after a rigorous practice and intrasquad scrimmage. The 25-year-old left winger, who has quickly cemented his status as a star player since his debut during the pandemic-influenced 2020-21 season, is aiming to emphasize his focus on performance despite the talks surrounding his future.
Franchise Commitment and Contract Negotiations
The Wild’s general manager, Bill Guerin, echoed a similar sense of assurance, maintaining that the franchise desires to secure Kaprizov for the long haul. He downplayed the absence of a contract extension during the offseason and indicated that the discussions are private yet constructive.
“These negotiations are private. I can’t really discuss them. The priority is to keep Kirill, our franchise player, here. We’re moving in that direction and doing everything we can to finalize a deal.”
However, recent developments have shone a glaring light on the matter. A report from NHL journalist Frank Seravalli suggested that Kaprizov’s team has rejected an astonishing offer potentially worth $128 million over eight years, which would surpass all previous leagues in compensation. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to his negotiations, which may revolve around terms that could allow Kaprizov to seek higher annual earnings on a shorter contract.
During practice, Kaprizov’s agent, Paul Theofanous, was seen discussing matters with the team’s assistant general manager, hinting at ongoing dialogues. Both Kaprizov and Guerin opted not to delve into the specifics of the negotiations, as Guerin remarked,
“Not everything on social media is accurate, but I can’t control that. What matters is our relationship with all our players, including Kirill.”
Comparative Contract Situations in the NHL
It’s not just Kaprizov facing an expiring contract—NHL stars such as Connor McDavid with the Edmonton Oilers and Jack Eichel from the Vegas Golden Knights are in similar situations, with potential free agency looming if new deals are not struck soon. Still, Guerin exudes confidence in their partnership, stating,
“We have a strong relationship. We love working with Kirill.”
Focus on Performance and Future Outlook
After a challenging season where he missed a significant amount of time due to injury, Kaprizov has maintained his conditioning through dedicated training in Russia over the summer. He emphasized the importance of concentrating on his performance.
“I’m just focusing on hockey and training camp right now. There’s plenty of time for contract discussions later,”
he remarked, reinforcing his commitment to preparing for the upcoming season and remaining optimistic about the future.
