Overview

• Kirill Kaprizov signed an eight-year, $136 million extension at a $17 million AAV, the largest contract in league history and the NHL’s top salary for now.
• Analysts say the new benchmark is lifting winger targets, with some $10 million asks now projected above $11 million as the cap climbs.
• Talks between the Kings and Adrian Kempe’s camp have resumed, with figures around $11 million AAV discussed and no deal close as both sides appear comfortable starting the season without an extension.
• Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor is now projected in the $12–13 million AAV range on a full-term deal, with expectations that Kaprizov’s number pushes his price higher.
• Projections place Jack Eichel near $14 million AAV in Vegas, with tax advantages and center-market dynamics seen as bigger factors than Kaprizov’s winger benchmark.