NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – September 11, 2025
Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejects a $128 million contract offer, plus the latest on Canucks captain Quinn Hughes, Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson, and more in today’s NHL morning Coffee Headlines.
REACTION TO KAPRIZOV REPORTEDLY REJECTING $128 MILLION OFFER
THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith cited a report from Bleacher Report’s Frank Servalli claiming that Kirill Kaprizov rejected an eight-year, $128-million contract offer from the Minnesota Wild.
Kaprizov, 28, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. The average annual value of the proposed contract is $16 million, which would’ve made him the NHL’s highest-paid player. His current AAV is $9 million.
Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).
Russo and Smith subsequently reported that Wild general manager Bill Guerin claimed talks were ongoing. “We love Kirill. We want to keep him here. I have a good relationship with his agent (Paul Theofanus), and we are still in talks. We are not panicking or anything. This is just part of negotiations.”
Guerin declined to go into detail about the offer. “My job as general manager is to protect my players, and I don’t want this in the public eye. That’s the way we’d like to keep it, so I’m not commenting any further on this.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Appearing on the “10,000 Takes” podcast, Guerin said he didn’t know where the rumors about Kaprizov rejecting a historic offer came from. “I know two things: that info didn’t come from us, and it didn’t come from Kirill’s agent.” Nevertheless, Guerin didn’t appear to deny that the offer had been made or that Kaprizov rejected it.
Russo and Smith wondered what the reported rejection of the offer meant. They feel the Wild must determine if Theofanus thinks his client could get more than $16 million on the open market next summer, or if it’s the beginning of the end for Kaprizov in Minnesota.
Signing Kaprizov to a larger deal will impact their future salary-cap situation as they attempt to build a contender. However, if Kaprizov intends to go to market, the Wild will have to find out from the winger (who has a full no-movement clause) which team he’s willing to get moved to before the March 6 trade deadline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It was rumored that the Kaprizov camp was fine with the money but wanted a shorter term. We’ll see if that’s the case as we advance.
This could become a nightmare for the Wild. Re-signing Kaprizov for more than their reported offer will hamper their effort to build and maintain a potential Stanley Cup champion. If he intends to become a UFA next summer, they won’t get fair value in a trade, and his departure will be a significant blow to their offense.
Ultimately, the Wild prefers re-signing Kaprizov. Better to keep their superstar at a higher price than to trade him for below market value or lose him for nothing to free agency next July.
CANUCKS CAPTAIN QUINN HUGHES RESPONDS TO BROTHER JACK’S COMMENTS
THE PROVINCE: Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes responded to his brother Jack’s comments about wanting to play together someday.
Earlier this year, Canucks president Jim Rutherford mentioned that Quinn would one day like to play with his brothers Jack and Luke Hughes, who both play for the New Jersey Devils. That generated speculation that the Canucks’ defenseman could end up traded to New Jersey or sign with the Devils as a free agent when his contract expires in 2027.
“What’s (Jack) supposed to say, first of all? Like, ‘I don’t want to play with him,’ you know?”, Quinn said. “We have contracts and whatnot. He’s on a different team. Would it be fun to play with those guys at some point? Of course.”
Hughes said that he’s excited to be in Vancouver and hopes to help the team rebound from last season’s disappointing performance. “I’ve been fortunate to play in Vancouver because of the fans and what a special place it is, and how well you’re taken care of, because they love their hockey so much and care about their hockey. It’s normal in a Canadian market.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Quinn has been downplaying the speculation, but it’s not going to go away, especially if the Canucks struggle again this season. Another year out of the playoff picture will only fan the trade rumor flames.
THE LATEST ON JACK EICHEL AND MIKE MATHESON
ESPN.COM: Jack Eichel hopes to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights for the long term. The 28-year-old center is UFA-eligible next July.
“I love the organization. I love living here. I love the guys in the room. I love the people in the city. I love the fans,” Eichel said. “It’s a great place to live. It’s a great place to play hockey. I think there’s a lot of things to love and I’m just really happy here.
Talks between Eichel and the Golden Knights’ management are in the early stages, but the star center is optimistic about the process. Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon recently said getting Eichel re-signed was “an important order of business.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Eichel is the Golden Knights’ first-line center and top offensive player. It’s expected he’ll be re-signed to a long-term deal worth between $13 million and $14 million annually.
LA PRESSE: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson has had discussions with management about a contract extension, although those talks are not recent.
Matheson is UFA-eligible and is earning an AAV of $4.8 million on his current contract. His agent said the 31-year-old blueliner wants to stay in Montreal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Matheson catches some flak from Canadiens fans for his defensive play, but management has praised his skills, experience, and leadership. It wouldn’t be surprising if he gets a four or five-year extension.
IN OTHER NEWS…
SAN JOSE HOCKEY NOW: The Sharks signed prospect forward Michael Misa to a three-year entry-level contract. The 18-year-old was chosen second overall in the 2025 NHL Draft.
If Misa makes the team this season, the Sharks could end up moving a contract to be within the mandated 50-contract limit.
DAILY FACEOFF: Veteran NHL forward Adam Erne is among four players signed to professional tryout offers by the Dallas Stars. He’s appeared in 382 NHL games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and Edmonton Oilers since 2016-17.
Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers signed defenseman Ben Harpur and forward Tyler Motte to PTO contracts.
Blues forward Zach Dean has entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
STLTODAY.COM: The St. Louis Blues signed prospect forward Justin Carbonneau to a three-year entry-level deal. He was selected 19th overall in this year’s draft.
FULL PRESS MEDIA: Steve Mayer, President of NHL Content and Events, believes the outdoor games involving the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning this season could become the talk of the sports world.
The Panthers will host the New York Rangers in the NHL’s annual Winter Classic on Jan. 2, 2026, while the Lightning hosts the Boston Bruins in the annual Stadium Series on Feb. 1.
SCOTTY WAZZ: presents the latest in his “Meh Rushmore” of players who just existed on their respective NHL teams. This week: The Central Division.
Billy G lost all negotiating power when Liopold announced to the world that Kaprisov was going to be the highest paid NHLer ever.
Kaprisov is only worth $128 M to Wild. No one else would (nor could since # of years) pay that.
There is a possibility that he’s rejecting this because he wants a short contract (counting on himself , his health , and knowing Cap escalating); OR because of structure (all/most in Sal and he wants huge chunk in SBs)
If those aren’t the reasons, perhaps he doesn’t want long term in Minny
No matter what, because Liopold was so bold publicly; Kaprizov holds all the cards
No wonder McDavid hasn’t come to the negotiation table yet. “Let’s just see what Kirill gets and then let’s talk about an extension; or “Mr. Katz, do you have something to say publicly in response to Mr. Liopold?”
It’s disappointing that the best players always demand such high salaries and then complain or leave when their teams aren’t competitive because they can’t afford the complementary players necessary to field a great team. I understand it’s all business, but how much does one need before they’re comfortable in life?
Well
Apparently they need more than $128 M
Pure guess, but I’m assuming Kaprizov is looking for a 2-3 year extension (at that $16M annual number).
Gives him flexibility to move on in a couple years if Guerrin can’t build a winner around him, plus give him the advantage of cashing in again on a larger, future deal.
I’ve read speculation that McDavid might do the same thing (short extension, to maximize future options).
For the top superstars, many have already banked some serious money to be comfortable for life and I think that are planning their futures in shorter increments to ensure they don’t get trapped in an 8 year contract on a team that can’t compete long term.
I find the whole Hughes brothers soap opera quite amusing. What does anyone expect any of them to say? That they hate their brother and intend to check him into the boards hard every chance they get? Sure, they’d like to play together some day. But that some day may be 10+ years from now in the twilight of their careers.
and why does everyone seem to think Quinn would be going to NJ? What would prevent his brothers from going to Van? If a trade doesn’t happen, they can wait until they become UFAs.
Ed, I like Quinn Hughes’ response about Jack’s answer to what has become incessant repetitious questions by “journalists” probing for a “hot story.”
“What’s he supposed to say, first of all? Like, ‘I don’t want to play with him,’ you know?”‘ Quinn said to a group of such news hounds at the NHL/NHLPA player media tour’s North American tour, adding “We have contracts and whatnot.”
https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/canucks-d-quinn-hughes-weighs-in-on-jack-s-viral-comments-what-s-he-supposed-to-say-1.2357552
Ed that is interesting to think of. How about the Hughes boys and Hamilton to Vancouver for Peterson,Boeser and Hronek. Now that would be a blockbuster.
Kk, if he truly has another team in mind, shouldn’t waive his nmc at all. Play out the year then sign with the team that didn’t give up significant assets to get you. Better shot at winning that way.
Interesting assessment, but he would have to endure the scorn of Wild fans for a season.
He’ll have that regardless if he doesn’t resign in minny.
I think Matheson’s extension hinges Reinbacher’s performance and development. Matheson could also be included in a trade package… Personally I think there is more to Matheson than what we have seen over the years. He’s been asked to play a more offensive role and that has exposed his defensive weaknesses. What if the Habs pair Gule with Dobson and Hutson with Matheson? Matheson is one of the best skaters in the league. Maybe he can adapt to providing coverage for Hutson and become a better defensive defenceman – that would increase his value with the Habs.
Meanwhile, with Kaprizov thumbing his nose at $128 million, 4 more who would be happy with the league minimum joined 17 others reduced to showcasing their talents under limited P.T.O. arrangements, all with Dallas.
They are: LW Adam Erne 30y/o 6’ 1” 212lbs last played in the NHL in 2023-24 with Edmonton; LW Cross Hanas 23y/o 6’ 1” 190lbs never played in NHL – last season with Grand Rapids; RD Anthony Cristoforo 19y/o 6’ 180lbs – never drafted – Windsor, OHL; G Antoine Bibeau 31y/o 6’3” 215lbs – 4 NHL gp – 2 with Toronto 2 with Colorado – last season in Europe.
That brings to 21 the number of P.T.O.s so far, with 10 teams involved – Dallas (4), New Jersey (4. Florida (3), Carolina (3), Minnesota (2), NYR (1), St. Louis (1), Columbus (1), Montreal (1), Nashville (1), over half of which involve players never considered as among the “best” UFAs available, including the 4 Dallas signings.
These 16, who have appeared in various lists of “the best” available, are still looking for opportunities:
C
Robby Fabbri 29 y/o 5’ 11” 185lbs; Evgeny Kuznetsov 33 y/o 6’ 1” 200lbs; *Dillon Dubé 27y/o 5’ 11” 185lbs; *Michael McLeod 27y/o 6’ 2” 190lbs;
LW
Max Pacioretty 36y/o 6’ 2” 216lbs; Klim Klostin 26 y/o LW/C 6’ 4” 230lbs;
RW
Jack Roslovic 28y/o 6’ 1” 195lbs; Craig Smith 36y/o RW/C 6’ 1” 205lbs;
LD
Matt Grzelcyk 31 y/o 5′ 10″ 180lbs; Marc-Edouard Vlasic 38y/o 6’ 1” 205lbs; Jon Merrill 33y/o 6’ 3” 205lbs;
RD
*Cal Foote 26y/o 6’ 3” 225lbs;
G
Ilya Samsonov 28y/o 6’ 3” 205lbs; Alexander Georgiev 29y/o 6’ 1” 180lbs; James Reimer 37y/o 6’ 2” 200lbs; *Carter Hart 27y/o 6’ 2” 200lbs.
Some may still get a last-minute P.T.O.
Those marked * above are still awaiting the results of the NHL “review” of their circumstances … with the clock ticking towards camp openings (the rookies start reporting to various teams today, with a “rookie tournament set to get under way this coming weekend in Montreal, involving the Habs, Senators, Leafs and Jets.