NHL training camp is just beginning, so the fanbases of all 32 teams are supposed to be feeling great. But for the Minnesota Wild, the vibes entering training camp are at an all-time low, and that's because of a bombshell report regarding the status of contract negotiations with star Kirill Kaprizov.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli first reported that Kaprizov had turned down an eight year, $128 million contract extension offer from the Wild, which would have been the richest contract in NHL history. Given the amount of years on the deal and the salary Minnesota was willing to pay Kaprizov, the first belief was that he wanted to test out free agency next summer.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin met with reporters on Thursday for the start of training camp. When asked about the reported offer Kaprizov turned down, Guerin stressed that the negotiations were private but stressed that "things are fine."
"The most important thing is that we want to sign Kirill," said Guerin. "He's our franchise player. We want to keep him here. He's a big part of our team. We're working towards that. We're doing the best we can."
Bill Guerin scrambles to answer questions about Kirill Kaprizov turning down lucrative contract
It's not an easy situation for a team to be in when a report leaks out that your star player, who they hope will stay for the remainder of his career, turns down a lucrative contract offer.
Over a week ago, Guerin said he didn't know how that report leaked and urged calm.
"My role as general manager is to protect our players," Guerin said, h/t ESPN. "I know two things. That info didn't come from us, and it didn't come from Kirill's agent. I don't know where it came from. Kirill's agent and I have a very good relationship. We're working through things. We're not going to let things like this get in the way."
Speaking of Kaprizov, he did speak with reporters on Thursday and said that he is deferring all contract questions to his agent. Kaprizov said that he likes Minnesota and would like to stay, but he is focused on the upcoming season.
Kirill Kaprizov referred questions about his contract situation to his agent and says he wants to focus on hockey and there’s plenty of time. He did reiterate that he loves Minnesota and wants to stay here. More soon pic.twitter.com/J3EN2TWk28
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) September 18, 2025
If there is no agreement between the Wild and Kaprizov, the star forward is set to be one of the top free agents available, alongside Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel. Any team looking to improve their forward group would give Kaprizov a huge contract.
While Guerin is urging everyone to remain calm, the questions are only going to get louder and more frequent, especially once free agency gets closer.