ESPN Spotlights the Wild: Kaprizov’s Loyalty, Faber’s Rise, and Why 2025 Could Be Minnesota’s Breakthrough Year
ST. PAUL — After years of first-round exits and salary cap struggles, the Minnesota Wild are entering a new era — and ESPN analysts say it could finally be the team’s time to shine.
With young stars blossoming, contracts getting sorted, and new cap space opening up, 2025 is shaping up as Minnesota’s best shot in years to make a real playoff run. And at the heart of it all? A superstar committed to staying, a future captain in the making, and a fan base ready to believe.
💚 Kaprizov Staying Put: He Wants to Win Here
Minnesota’s top priority this offseason is locking down All-Star winger Kirill Kaprizov, who becomes extension-eligible July 1. According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the team and Kaprizov are mutually committed to reaching a long-term deal that would keep him in St. Paul well into his prime.
Kaprizov loves this team. He loves the fans. This is home,” said GM Bill Guerin.
“He wants to win here — not somewhere else.
A deal is expected to approach $100 million, making Kaprizov one of the NHL’s highest-paid stars — and Wild fans couldn’t be more thrilled.
🛡️ Brock Faber: From Rookie to Rock
Few players in the NHL made a bigger leap than Brock Faber. A Calder Trophy finalist, Faber logged top-pair minutes and signed an 8-year, $68 million extension this offseason.
ESPN’s Kevin Weekes calls him “the next Ryan Suter — but with even more upside.
He’s expected to wear a letter next season, with many fans already calling him the captain of the future.
With aging contracts finally off the books and up to $17 million in available cap space, the Wild are no longer handcuffed like years past. ESPN projects them to pursue a second-line center and additional scoring depth — two missing pieces that could turn them from playoff hopeful to serious contender.
This is the most financially flexible the Wild have been in nearly a decade,” said ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
After years of heartbreak, the Wild are not rebuilding — they’re rising. ESPN insiders say if the front office plays it smart, 2025 could be the year Minnesota finally flips the script.
This isn’t about surviving anymore,” said Weekes. “This is about chasing greatness.
Comment if you’re riding with Kaprizov, Faber & the boys in 2025.
Because this might just be the year the State of Hockey finally gets its moment.
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