It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re into the month of November, but the hot stove is always on. Teams have already signed some of their big-time players to massive extensions. However, there are others that could be in line for a massive pay raise. The Minnesota Wild have one player that could sign a huge deal soon. This edition of NHL rumours talks about what could be a big contract for that star player.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Minnesota Wild Star Could Get Large Deal
Rumours: On the most recent edition of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that Kirill Kaprizov could be getting a deal that may rival some of the bigger stars in the NHL.
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— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) November 4, 2024
Analysis: Kaprizov has been off to a red-hot start to the season. The Russian has seven goals, 14 assists for 21 points already. He’s making his case for being one of the best wingers in the league.
The 27-year-old is signed until the end of the 2025-26 season and currently makes $9 million. His recent play is likely lining up a massive contract in the future. Wild General Manager Bill Guerin knows that he’s going to have bust out the chequebook in order to keep Kaprizov in the fold.
Friedman mentioned the contract is going to be a huge one. The insider mentioned that the deal could in the same ballpark as Auston Matthews ($13.25 million) or Leon Draisaitl ($14 million tarting in the 2025-26 season).
Both Kaprizov and Connor McDavid could be in line for some major money on July 1, 2025. That’s the date when both players are eligible to sign contract extensions because they can sign a new deal once they enter the final year of their respective contracts.
A Race Against Time
The Wild know that Kaprizov can’t hit the open market. Minnesota has had to endure some salary cap pain thanks to the twin buyouts of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The total combined dead money is nearly $14.75 million.
However, that number is going to be greatly reduced once July 1, 2025 hits. Minnesota’s dead cap money will drop to nearly $1.7 million once the new fiscal year flips over. This gives Guerin some ammunition to try and re-sign Karpizov.
Some that money will go to defenceman Brock Faber, who will get a well-deserved raise in his own right. Faber is going get a salary of $8.5 million starting next year. This is a sizable hit, but there should still be some money to go towards Kaprizov.
Another factor is the salary cap may keep going up. A big increase in the cap could help Guerin give Kaprizov the contract that he’s been seeking.
Minnesota knows that teams will chase after the young star. It’s imperative that they sign him to a new deal when the opportunity arises. Kaprizov is arguably most exciting player in the history of the franchise. It will be a full-court press in order to keep the star winger from hitting the free agent market.
Main photo by: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
