Updates on the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov, the Rangers’ Artemi Panarin, and the Jets’ Kyle Connor, plus the latest Maple Leafs’ speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE LATEST ON KAPRIZOV’S CONTRACT SITUATION

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports the Minnesota Wild’s eight-year, $128 million contract offer to Kirill Kaprizov remains on the table despite the winger rejecting the proposal last week.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

He also indicated that the Wild are definitely not engaged in trade discussions with other teams regarding Kaprizov. Their only focus is re-signing him as they believe the winger wants to stay in Minnesota.

Kaprizov has not been heard from since rejecting the offer. He will meet the media when training camp opens on Thursday, as will general manager Bill Guerin.

LeBrun also mentioned that the vibes in these negotiations are not cordial compared to those with the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid. “This is a little more edgy, let’s just say, between Kaprizov’s agent and Guerin,” Lebrun said. “I think last week was very emotional, and it’s not clear what the endgame here is.”

The Wild believe they made an “unbelievable offer” of eight years with an average annual value of $16 million. LeBrun isn’t certain how far they might have to move off that, but they may have to to get a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Bleacher Report’s Frank Seravalli noted that there’s been some speculation linking Kaprizov to the New York Rangers or the Chicago Blackhawks. However, he indicated that there hasn’t been as much trade talk about the winger as some suggest. Seravalli stated that he’s seen little indication from the Kaprizov camp that the superstar winger wants to play elsewhere.

WILL THE RANGERS RE-SIGN PANARIN?

THE ATHLETIC: Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano wondered what’s next for Artemi Panarin in his contract year. The 33-year-old New York Rangers winger’s point-per-game rate dipped to its lowest since 2018-19, his last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It’s believed Rangers GM Chris Drury is in no rush to decide how aggressively he’ll pursue an extension for Panarin. The club has cap flexibility, but they’re closely monitoring some of the big-name players who could become UFAs next summer, like the Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Mercogliano recently speculated about the possibility of the Rangers pursuing Kaprizov if he becomes available by the March 2026 trade deadline. He suggested including winger Alexis Lafreniere in the deal, clearing his $7.45 million cap hit from their books. It would give the Rangers over $37 million in cap space, more than enough to sign Kaprizov and perhaps retain Panarin on a reduced salary.

KYLE CONNOR AND THE JETS ARE TALKING ABOUT AN EXTENSION

TSN: Darren Dreger reports there is an open line of communication between Kyle Connor and the Winnipeg Jets, who have made re-signing the 28-year-old winger a priority.

“I don’t doubt for a second that they will extend Kyle Connor,” Dreger said. He went on to say that the winger has been an important part of the club’s past, present, and future. There is no timeline for getting a deal done.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like Kaprizov, Connor is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July.

Some folks wondered if the Jets risk losing Connor after Nikolaj Ehlers departed for the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent in July. However, they re-signed core players Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele in 2023.

Connor is just as important as Hellebuyck and Scheifele, so don’t be surprised if he’s re-signed to a lucrative new contract.

THE LATEST ON THE MAPLE LEAFS

TORONTO SUN: Terry Koshan believes re-signing goaltender Anthony Stolarz should be the Maple Leafs’ priority. He anticipates the 31-year-old will get a nice raise over his current $2.5 million AAV after leading the league in save percentage last year.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: TSN’s Darren Dreger reports the two sides are working on a multi-year extension. He considers Kevin Lankinen’s contract with the Vancouver Canucks (five years, $4.5 million AAV) as a comparable.

Koshan anticipates Leafs GM Brad Treliving could move a depth forward in a cost-cutting trade before the start of the regular season. Calle Jarnkrok, David Kampf, or Nick Robertson are the likely candidates.