The Minnesota Wild made sure they were not going to enter a summer of uncertainty next year. On Tuesday, Minnesota and superstar Kirill Kaprizov agreed to terms on a record-breaking eight-year, $136 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL. This comes weeks after Kaprizov had turned down an eight-year, $128 million extension before training camp.
General manager Bill Guerin had expressed confidence that a deal would get done after reports of Kaprizov turning down the initial offer. As we all know now, Guerin was right to tell Minnesota fans to be patient.
On Tuesday afternoon, Kaprizov and Guerin met with reporters after finalizing the eight year contract. At the very start of the conference, a reporter asked Kaprizov if he was "happy," to which Guerin hilariously responded, "he f***ing better be."
Bill Guerin has hilarious response to signing Kirill Kaprizov to massive contract
That's an understandable quote from Guerin, considering he gave Kaprizov the richest contract in NHL history.
The details of Kaprizov's contract are unique, as he is set to earn about 20-percent of the $95.5 million salary cap in the first four years of his contract. Kaprizov is also set to earn signing bonuses of $18.1 million from 2026-29, $16 million in 2030, $14.2 million in 2031, and $12.7 million in 2032 and 2033. Kaprizov also carries a $1 million salary through the eight years, and a full no-move clause.
Guerin ensured that Kaprizov didn't hit free agency next summer, where he very well could have made similar money from otehr teas. There is uncertainty surrounding fellow free agents Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. McDavid has not let it be known if he's willing to re-sign with the Edmonton Oilers, while Eichel has said he wants to stay with the Vegas Golden Knights long-term.
Now, Guerin will have to flesh out the roster over time to ensure they can contend for their first Stanley Cup. They have yet to make it to the Final, but the hope is that Kaprizov can be the one to lead them there and hoist the Stanley Cup at season's end at some point during the length of his contract.