Overview

• Craig Leipold said he believes the sides are not far apart and expects progress once Kirill Kaprizov returns, calling the potential extension "likely the biggest in the NHL ever."
• No agreement has been announced with training camp opening Sept. 18, and Kaprizov enters the final year of his five-year, $9 million AAV contract before UFA eligibility in July 2026.
• Multiple insiders report Minnesota is prepared to go long term in the $15–$16 million AAV range on an eight-year deal, with totals around $120–$130 million.
• A contract at that level would place Kaprizov among the league’s top earners and could surpass Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million AAV, with observers noting potential ripple effects for Connor McDavid’s negotiations.
• The Wild have preserved flexibility with Marco Rossi’s three-year bridge contract, with reports noting the rising cap and the ability to sign an eight-year term before a new CBA shortens re-sign limits.