Overview

• Kaprizov became extension-eligible on July 1 and enters the final year of a five-year, $45 million deal with a $9 million cap hit after posting 25 goals and 56 points in 41 games last season.
• Multiple outlets report Minnesota has discussed an AAV around $15–16 million, with figures from Frank Seravalli and Michael Russo aligning with David Pagnotta’s $120–130 million range over eight years.
• Leipold told The Athletic the sides are “not that far off” and said the contract would likely be the biggest in NHL history, surpassing Leon Draisaitl’s current $14 million AAV benchmark.
• Rising cap projections near $108–110 million next season and the Wild’s expected flexibility — over $41 million projected space next summer — position the team to absorb a record deal.
• With camp opening Sept. 18 and no deal announced, broader market dynamics — including pending extensions for Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel — continue to shape price expectations.