The Minnesota Wild inked star forward Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year deal worth an AAV of $17 million, a well-deserved reward for one of the brightest young players in hockey. Kaprizov burst onto the scene in 2020-21, snagging the Calder amidst a 51-point season in 55 contests, and he never looked back.
Since his breakout rookie campaign, Kaprizov routinely put up 40-plus goal seasons when healthy while scoring well over a point per game. If he wasn't already the face of the franchise, there's no question that he's 'the guy' this team will build a championship-caliber team around.
While the Wild aren't at that level yet, inking a talent like Kaprizov puts them on the map as an organization that players finding themselves in supporting roles elsewhere would want to play for when they hit free agency or are on the trade block.
This is truer for those who haven't yet made a deep playoff run and are still chasing a Stanley Cup, knowing they're joining a team with stability rather than an organization that could pull the plug a year after they sign a multi-year deal.
Kirill Kaprizov solidifies the brewing core for the Minnesota Wild
General manager Bill Guerin has got to be excited where his team is, even if they may be a year or so away from a deep playoff run. Besides landing Kaprizov, the Wild have Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, Marco Rossi, and Yakov Trenin on multi-year deals at forward.
Flip over to the blue line, and they have Brock Faber, Zeev Buium, and Jacob Middleton. Then, throw in one of the league's best netminders in Filip Gustavsson, who is also eligible for an extension and should be the next one Minnesota signs.
Even if the Wild could use a few more pieces outside that core group, don't think they won't wreak some havoc this year. Remember, they were hot out of the gate in 2024-25, and sat five points behind the Winnipeg Jets for the Central Division lead when 2024 flipped over to 2025.
What Kaprizov's signing means for the Central Division
Now that the Wild have another year of experience with their star player signed, there's little doubt that, if they stay healthy, they will challenge the Jets, the Dallas Stars, and the Colorado Avalanche for a top-three spot all season.
He's the kind of player opponents must track every time he's on the ice, even when the puck's not on his stick. And if you lose track of him, wish your goaltender luck, because there's a good chance Kaprizov's either finding the net or dishing the puck to a teammate who will finish the play.
Overall, this signing made the Wild a better, more stable team for the next eight seasons. He's a draw, and his presence will lure players to St. Paul and become the outer pieces of what is now one of the best core groups in hockey.