Wild News: Wild re-sign Kevin Fiala, Kaprizov Update
The Minnesota Wild and Kevin Fiala have come to an agreement. It was announced earlier today that the Wild have re-signed Kevin Fiala to a one-year, $5.1 million deal and with that, avoid arbitration.
#mnwild have re-signed Kevin Fiala to a one-year, $5.1 million deal thus avoiding arbitration hearing tomorrow. He’ll be able to negotiate off that price next offseason as an RFA.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) August 16, 2021
Fiala led the Wild in the past two regular seasons with 43 goals and 94 points in 114 games
It was reported over the weekend that the Wild and Fiala’s camp had exchanged numbers, being that Fiala’s camp was seeking $6.25 million while the Wild were look for $4 million. After todays announcement, that sides have seemed to meet right in the middle.
Although it is only a one year deal for Fiala, it’s workable for the Wild as well Fiala, Fiala will be an RFA again next off-season and the Wild have an entire season to prepare for that negotiation and hopefully have a solution well before the off-season hits.
This is a great deal for Fiala, whom of which is coming off of his 3rd 20 goal season since cracking into the NHL, it gives him the opportunity to show the Wild he is an elite forward and can continue to produce those kind of numbers at this level.
An update on Kirill Kaprizov…
This is only half the road for the Minnesota Wild in terms of contract negotiations as they still have a ever continuing twisting and turning road with RFA Calder trophy winner, Kirill Kaprizov.
Michael Russo of TheAthletic reported that the Wild are unlikely to get the 7 or 8 year deal they originally pursued for their young star, instead probably looking to settle in the 4 to 6 year range in the case of contract term.
#mnwild working to get unsigned RFA Mason Shaw signed, and, of course, Kirill Kaprizov. The Wild's 7- and 8-year overtures don't seem doable, so the hope is to get him signed somewhere between 4-6 years. The Wild still don't seem worried by the KHL threat.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) August 16, 2021
As per Russo’s tweet, the Wild not being worried by the earlier reported and bluffed KHL threat is good for them. Bill Guerin has been in the game for a long time and is most likely used to this kind of stuff and knows better not to blink. It would appear as of now, the Minnesota Wild are handling their business as usual and getting Kevin Fiala re-signed is a huge step in the road.