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Kaprizov all smiles after inking new deal with Wild
Kirill Kaprizov spoke with the media on Tuesday after inking a massive eight-year deal to stay with the Minnesota Wild.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Kirill Kaprizov isn’t going anywhere.
Kaprizov, Wild agree to $136 million deal
What we know:
The Minnesota Wild announced Tuesday morning they have agreed to an eight-year, $136 million extension to keep the star winger under contract through the 2033-34 season. The deal makes Kaprizov the highest-paid player in NHL history, in terms of average annual value and total dollars. Kaprizov will make an average of $17 million per season.
Kaprizov reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128 million deal during the offseason, and reported to training camp with the rest of his teammates wanting to focus on hockey.
‘I'm so happy to stay 9 more years’
What they're saying:
Kaprizov was entering the final year of his current contract, and fears were looming that he would leave the team after this season to test free agency. But the Wild paid up, and he’s staying.
Both Kaprizov and Wild General Manager Bill Guerin spoke with reporters Tuesday about the new contract.
"I just want to say thank you to the organization and to Billy and the whole team. To anyone that was a little nervous, I’m so happy to stay nine more years here. It’s my second home, I’m happy to play here. Can’t wait when the season starts," Kaprizov said.
"We’re extremely excited about this. It’s been a long process, good things come to those who wait. We never wanted to even entertain Kirill not being here. If it went the other way, it would’ve been devastating. We’re just happy," Wild General Manager Bill Guerin said.
How does Kaprizov plan on celebrating?
"Play a game tonight," Kaprizov said. The Wild face the Winnipeg Jets in preseason action Tuesday night.
"You and I have very different ways of celebrating," Guerin joked.
Kaprizov with Wild
By the numbers:
Kaprizov is entering his sixth season with the Wild. Despite missing half of last season with a lower body injury, he was second on the Wild with 25 goals and third with 31 assists. Kaprizov has 185 goals and 201 assists in 319 career games.
He also has 15 goals, including eight power play goals, and six assists in 25 career playoff games.
His 366 points through his first 300 career games trails only Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin among active players.
What's next:
The Wild opens the 2025-26 regular season on Oct. 9 at the St. Louis Blues. The home opener is Oct. 11 against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Grand Casino Arena.