The Minnesota Wild averted a major catastrophe this offseason. Kirill Kaprizov was set to become a free agent next summer and very well could have commanded a gigantic market. It felt like that was going to happen, especially after he reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128 million contract extension offer. But weeks later, Kaprizov and the Wild agreed to terms on an eight-year, $136 million contract, preventing their star forward from hitting free agency in the near future.
Before the contract extension became finalized, there was belief that not only could Kaprizov hit free agency next summer, but could also be traded. After all, he did turn down a huge contract extension. As it turns out, one team did try to check in on Kaprizov's status.
According to TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Carolina Hurricanes plan to be aggressive this season as they try to win their first Stanley Cup title since 2006. LeBrun revealed that the Hurricanes called the Wild about a Kaprizov trade before the star agreed to a contract extension.
“They tried to trade for Mitch Marner, and yes, last month, when Kaprizov turned down the first offer from the Minnesota Wild, I can confirm that the Hurricanes picked up the phone and checked in with Minnesota because they would have swung big for him, but of course, that was not a trade opportunity for them."
Wild reportedly turned down Kirill Kaprizov trade inquiry from Hurricanes
The Wild made it quite evident that they had no desire to trade away Kaprizov after the first contract offer was rejected.
It's not surprising that the Hurricanes and their general manager Eric Tulsky would call to see if Kaprizov was truly available in trade talks. As LeBrun said, the Hurricanes did try to acquire Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs last year, but to no avail. The Hurricanes also traded for Mikko Rantanen from the Colorado Avalanche for a short period of the 2024-25 season, before trading him again after being informed he wouldn't sign a long-term deal with them. If there is one thing to know about the Hurricanes, they are a consistent Stanley Cup contenders and aren't afraid to make a big splash trade to improve their odds.
Sure, the Hurricanes boast a great team and have some young players they could deal for superstars, but none of them would replicate what Kaprizov brings to the Wild. No trade would have made up for his talent, even if it was just to ensure they would get something instead of watching him walk into free agency.
Minnesota's chances of contending for their first ever Stanley Cup are greater with Kaprizov on the roster. That's why they didn't make any rash decisions after their first offer was turned down. They returned to the negotiations table and were able to get Kaprizov to put pen to paper after agreeing to the $136 million extension.