All signs are pointing toward the Minnesota Wild locking up All-Star winger Kirill Kaprizov with a massive contract extension this summer. According to recent reports, the deal could be an eight-year, $120 million pact — giving him the highest average annual value (AAV) in NHL history, surpassing Leon Draisaitl’s mark. While the total would fall $4 million shy of Alex Ovechkin’s all-time record contract, the Wild are clearly ready to invest heavily in their franchise cornerstone.
Despite coming off an injury-riddled season — his most challenging to date — Kaprizov still managed to make a major impact. He appeared in just 41 regular-season games and six playoff contests, yet still tallied 25 goals in 56 total games, finishing third on the team in scoring and earning a spot in the Hart Trophy voting at 16th overall.
Even with limited ice time, his value was undeniable. Since joining the Wild in 2020-21, Kaprizov has racked up 185 goals and 386 points in 319 games — more than any other Minnesota player in that span. That production accounts for 32.2% of the team’s total offense (1,197 goals) during his tenure, a staggering stat that highlights just how integral he is to their success.
If the projected $15 million AAV holds, Kaprizov would account for 14.4% of the team’s salary cap in 2026-27 — and less in subsequent years as the cap continues to rise. While injuries remain a valid concern and may affect final negotiations, his impact is undeniable.
No other player drives Minnesota’s offense like he does, and the Wild seem ready to reward him accordingly.
His record-setting AAV likely won’t stand for long, with Connor McDavid expected to eclipse it on his next deal. But even if it’s rare for a winger to top the NHL’s salary charts, Kaprizov’s value to the Wild makes the price tag more than justified.
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