Kirill Kaprizov, the Minnesota Wild’s star player, was offered an eight-year, $128 million contract extension following a season where he missed several games due to a lower-body injury. This lucrative deal reflects the team’s strong belief in their franchise cornerstone. Surprisingly, Kaprizov rejected the massive offer, leaving fans and the league stunned. With his current five-year, $45 million contract nearing its end, Wild supporters anxiously await developments.
The 28-year-old has repeatedly voiced his affection for Minnesota, describing it as his “second home,” which makes the ongoing contract standoff puzzling. Adding intrigue to the situation, rumors of potential tampering have surfaced, further complicating the narrative.
Could Tampering be at Work Behind Kirill Kaprizov-Minnesota Wild Contract Holdup?
The uncertainty surrounding Kirill Kaprizov’s future with the Minnesota Wild has sparked concern throughout the organization, including owner Craig Leipold, who has dodged questions on the issue. In a recent Athletic interview, Leipold stated, “I said I wasn’t going to talk about Kirill. I really am serious. There’s nothing to gain. Everything to lose.” This contrasts sharply with his bold claim a year ago that no NHL team could outbid the Wild’s offer for Kaprizov’s extension in terms of money or term.
The ongoing contract stalemate has raised suspicions of tampering. On The Sheet podcast, Michael Russo discussed the Wild’s concerns about potential interference, suggesting the team is prepared to act if evidence emerges. Elliotte Friedman previously speculated on Sportsnet’s The FAN Hockey Show that “tampering slash whispering” from rival teams could be stalling negotiations, though proving it would be challenging. With the 2025-26 season approaching, Kaprizov’s rejection of an eight-year, $128 million extension continues to cloud the Wild’s outlook.
Speculation about tampering in Kirill Kaprizov’s contract saga continues to swirl, with Greg Wyshynski noting on The Sheet podcast that insider Elliotte Friedman has suggested Kaprizov and his agent, Paul Theofanous, might be aware of a more enticing offer elsewhere, leading them to reject the Minnesota Wild’s proposals.
The possibility of a bigger contract awaits Kaprizov in free agency in 2026, though it’s not guaranteed. Michael Russo countered on the podcast that the Wild are concerned about potential tampering and would take steps to address it if confirmed.
However, he also pointed out that it might not be tampering at all, good agents like Theofanous naturally explore all options, assessing which teams could offer the most money or clear cap space for a player of Kaprizov’s caliber. Whether it’s tampering or strategic maneuvering by a savvy agent, this ongoing drama has become one of the NHL’s most compelling storylines.
Source: ProFootballNetwork
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