The Minnesota Wild have secured star forward Kirill Kaprizov with a landmark eight-year contract extension valued at $138 million, which averages to $17 million annually. This deal, commencing in the 2026-27 season, marks the most lucrative in NHL history, both in total value and average annual salary.
Kaprizov’s contract structure is unprecedented, featuring significant signing bonuses over the first four years, aligned with the 2025-26 salary cap ceiling of $95.5 million, which allows a maximum annual cap hit of $19.1 million. Over the eight years, he will earn consistent salaries of $1 million each year, with substantial signing bonuses on July 1, starting at $18.1 million and gradually decreasing to $12.7 million in the later years.
As Kaprizov approached the end of his existing contract, the Wild prioritized securing him as a team cornerstone, especially given their goal of establishing a championship-contending roster. Negotiations were intense, concluding after much consideration from Kaprizov, who initially rejected a $128 million offer. The presence of NHL stars nearing the end of their contracts heightened the urgency for the Wild to finalize terms with Kaprizov to avoid potential offseason instability.
This contract distinguishes Kaprizov, positioning him above many of the league’s elite in terms of compensation. It reflects Minnesota’s commitment to building around the talented forward, aiming to end their playoff frustrations since their last series win in 2015. Kaprizov’s recent performances underscore his value, despite a challenging past season marred by injury that limited him to 41 games. Yet, he demonstrated resilience, contributing notably in the playoffs.
For the Wild, securing Kaprizov provides clarity in their future financial planning as they anticipate the rising salary cap. With Kaprizov as the franchise’s centerpiece, Minnesota can now attract other high-caliber free agents and aspire to enhance their competitive standing. For Kaprizov, while he could have attracted numerous suitors in the 2026 free agency, the security and satisfaction with his situation in Minnesota convinced him to commit long-term.
Ultimately, the success of this record-setting agreement will be gauged over time, balancing the risks associated with player age and potential injuries against the increasing salary cap that aims to accommodate such significant contracts. The deal signifies Minnesota’s dedication to maintaining an aggressive approach towards constructing a championship-caliber team, reducing the pressure of having to replace or trade away a player of Kaprizov’s caliber. The Wild’s strategic foresight ensures they are positioned to compete at the highest levels in the coming seasons.