The Kirill Kaprizov situation has been a firestorm in the NHL over the past week as the hockey world waits to see what happens with the Russian superstar.
There have been conflicting reports across the spectrum with respect to the details of Kaprizov’s refusal of what would have been the largest deal in NHL history. Some reports have suggested he and the team have already discussed putting together a trade list, other reports have shot down this theory.
A latest development has reached the Kaprizov story that may give Minnesota Wild fans hope in what has been a stressful week in the state of hockey.
What is the latest on Kaprizov?
Via insider Frank Seravalli, despite the recent Kaprizov contract extension offer rejection, Kirill still wishes to reach an agreement with Minnesota.
Perhaps it really is as simple as the Wild just needing to up the number. The question is if $16 million a season is not enough, what is? Is this a contract that will have to be raised to as much as $19-20 million a year? That would be a truckload of money to make a winger by far the richest player in hockey.
But if that is what it takes to get a deal done, this may be a sacrifice Wild GM Bill Guerin has to make. It is hard to imagine this Minnesota team remaining a playoff contender without Kaprizov. The difference in the team’s play last season when Kirill was in the lineup vs when he was injured half the year was stark. With his return come playoff time, the Wild looked like a completely different team.
It is true that Kaprizov wants to stay in Minnesota, given he and his camp’s number is met. If not, that sentiment may change to whichever team is able to pay up and meet Kaprizov’s demands if a deal is not found in the future.
