Following a season of highs and lows, Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov confirmed he won’t need further surgery in the offseason. Limited to 41 games due to a midseason lower-body injury requiring surgery, the 28-year-old still shone, earning nine points in six playoff games after a strong MVP-caliber start. Soon, he’ll return to his quiet Russian village, where he feels most at ease, away from the NHL’s spotlight.
Kaprizov plans to spend the summer relaxing with friends, playing video games, boating, and maybe fishing—something he’s yet to try in Minnesota despite its many lakes. Meanwhile, Wild fans are eager to see what his future holds with the team.
On July 1, the Wild can negotiate an extension before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2026. Early-season buzz pegged his next contract at $12 million annually, but his playoff performance has sparked talk of $15 million or more, up from his current $9 million per year.
Kaprizov, speaking Sunday after the season, left contract talks to his agent, Paul Theofanus, and Wild GM Bill Guerin, expressing his love for Minnesota while staying noncommittal. “It should be all good,” he said. Wild owner Craig Leipold has promised to outbid any team for the star, and Kaprizov’s optimism is encouraging, but nothing is certain until a deal is signed.
In Russia, Kaprizov will embrace a low-key life, staying home, avoiding crowds, and enjoying simple pleasures like fishing, camping, or family time—much like a summer in small-town Minnesota. He called Minnesota a “second home” after five years, fueling fans’ hopes he’ll sign long-term when the time comes.
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