Kirill Kaprizov reportedly turns down 8-year, $128 million extension offer from Wild that would have made him highest-paid player in NHL history

"According to a report from hockey insider Frank Seravalli, the Wild had an 8-year, $128 million extension offer turned down by Kaprizov on Tuesday. The proposed contract would have made the 28-year-old Russian the highest-paid player in NHL history. Sources say #mnwild superstar Kirill Kaprizov's camp turned down an extension offer believed to be 8-years, $128 million in a meeting on Tuesday in Minnesota that would have made him the highest-paid player in #NHL history in both AAV ($16 million) and total dollars. - Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) September 10, 2025"

"Kaprizov became eligible for an extension on July 1 as his previous five-year, $45 million deal with the Wild expires after the 2025-26 campaign. If the Wild cannot come to an agreement with Kaprizov, they risk losing him for nothing as he will become an unrestricted free agent. Despite missing exactly half of the 2024-25 regular season, Kaprizov still finished third on the Wild in scoring, recording 56 points (25g, 31a) in 41 games. His career-best season came four seasons ago when he notched 108 points (47g, 61a) in 81 games."

""I just feel that we're not that far off," Wild owner Craig Leipold told The Athletic's Joe Smith last week. "I kind of think we're there. I like to believe when Kirill comes over and gets a sense again for the excitement and love of the city, I think we'll be moving forward in a good direction." After five seasons in Minnesota, Kaprizov has yet to win a single playoff series. He has previously mentioned that team success is his number-one priority when heading into extension talks. "We'll see. I love everything here. It should be all good," Kaprizov told Smith and Michael Russo in May. "It's always, every time, it's about winning. Everyone wants to win. Me, too.""

Kirill Kaprizov turned down an 8-year, $128 million extension from the Minnesota Wild that would have carried a $16 million average annual value and been the richest NHL contract. Kaprizov is extension-eligible on July 1 while his current five-year, $45 million contract runs through the 2025–26 season; failure to agree would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. Kaprizov recorded 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists) in 41 games during 2024–25 despite missing half the season and posted a career-high 108 points (47g, 61a) four seasons ago. Team success and playoff advancement remain his top priorities.

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