NHL Rumor Mill – September 17, 2025
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.
McD should wait out the Kaprizov saga; then add reasonably to that AAV; then sign
Yes Kaprizov on Rangers would be a good fit; but why give up a boatload now (weakening balance of team ) and still with the possibility he goes to market July 1st. Sign ‘N Trade maybe; but why not bid on him on July 1st; no assets given up, AND not locked in for 8 years
8787. Agreed. Although I’m not sure of what type of return Wild thinks they’ll get with Kaprizov holding nmc. I see Kaprizov as replacement for Panarin. As a Ranger fan, I’m not ready to give up on Laf before he ups his value. I believe last season was a disaster for all players. His stats previous year were same as Knies at the same age and look at deal he got. I’m curious how Pens season plays out and who becomes available.
Absolutely he could be Panarin’s replacement; BUT not an impossibility for BOTH on Rangers in 26/27 an onward
NYC has a much bigger Russian community than the Twin Cities but more importantly; $$$’s
All players get Salaries; some get hefty SBs as well; but lets not forget big $’s in Ad money
Almost any Rangers player is likely to get considerably more Ad money than in the Twin Cities
He also would be playing with more fellow countrymen in NY
I still think best route for Rangers is to cross fingers (hope that he doesn’t sign with Wild AND no other team trades for him); then pick him up July 1st
Re Pens
To me a must:
1) Punt EK at 50% (even add a pick to deal) for young NHLer ; plus an NHL ready prospect
2) Trade (@ 50%) one (NOT both) of Rust OR Rackell; again adding a puck if necessary; to get a young NHLer ; plus an NHL ready prospect
3)Send at least Hayes and Accari to WBS; perhaps Clifton as well
4) play 4 new acquisitions (from above # 1 and 2 ; AND play youth from WBS
The above gets Pens younger, stronger, better, and most importantly gives Sid some hope (so that he doesn’t ask for a trade) as that team has a reasonable smell at a WildCard spot in 26/27
The downside (vs doing nothing) is likely sliding from picking in the 6th-10th spot; to picking 10th-15th spot
Those counting on Pens getting McKenna keep for getting that finishing last has a 75% chance of NOT getting McKenna.
And Pens are not finishing last unless they (1) play BOTH Hayes and Accairi 25 minutes/game; AND (2) play Clifton/Graves top pairing ; EACH getting 27 mins/game; AND Sid is injured and misses 3/4 of the season
So, regardless. we’ll be in the 90% + range of NOT getting McKenna (or Verhoeff for that matter); and let’s not forget Dubas’ propensity to pick tiny players well well well before their ranking (need only cite Kendall)
So—-Trading out old; burying old; playing youth; is what is needed
This starts with Dubas waking up and getting on the phone
He’s hibernated all summer
8787. If Drury had an inkling he could get Kaprizov in FA (without tampering, he has same agent as Panarin and I’m sure subject could come up) I’d definitely be looking to acquire Crosby at deadline! And I’d be willing to part with Laf if Pens wanted him. Would Pitt retain on Crosby? He’s already paid almost all his money this season.
Slick
Absolutely, best for Rangers to get Kaprisov next July
Re Crosby
Setting aside my personal affront to Leafs and Rangers; I don’t see Sid waiving to go to either place
I truly believe that if Sid gets fed up (Dubas doing no big moves from now until TDL should be enough to seal the deal) enough to move on, then there is a high 90’s %’age chance that it’s to either of Habs or Avs
To Those who say Sid on Habs would be detrimental in the long run (due to roster give ups in trade and still low chance at success in next two years), I disagree with them:
Setting aside the individual uptick in production Sid aline brings; Sid in the Habs’ dressing room will have a significant positive production impact throughout the entire team
Should Pens retain in a Sid trade? ABSOLUTELY! That’s SHOULD they
Will they? Well, we have Dumb Dumb Dubas at the helm that hasn’t even moved EK yet; so???????
Below is a trade that I truly believe gives Habs a good shot at at least winning a series in ‘26; and a very fair shot at an ECF appearance (where anything can happen) in ‘27. An ECF appearance in ‘27 and I would really think Sid considers re-upping with Habs for one more shot in ‘28
The trade suggestion below, I believe, seriously pushes the needle towards the above outcome AND works for both teams.
Sid AND Rackell (both at 50%)
Dach to Pens
That covers off cap-wise
Just Think Sid-Rackell-Laine as a line!!!
Now , to make that move for Pens
Hage, Reinbacher, Florian X, 1st (‘26)
Pens give back a 2nd and a 3rd to balance the trade
Sounds like a load of futures given up but just look at Habs top 9:
Suzuki, Sid, Demidov, Rackell , Laine, Caufield, Slavkivsky, and (one of Gallagher or Anderson) ; and 3 C of either Newhook or Evans
Then:
4th line and depth : 4C of Newhook or Evans; (one of Gallagher or Anderson); Bolduc, Veleno, Kapenen, Blais
PP : choose from : Sid, Suzuki, Laine, Rackell, Demidov; Caufield; Salv; Hutson!!!
Add to that what the presence of Sid in the dressing room does to the performance of others
Then tell me that roster above doesn’t have a fair shot of an ECF appearance in ‘27, with a fair possibility of a Sid re-up for 27/28!
If McDavid really wants to win and wants to stay in Edmonton then he must not strap the Oilers in Cap hell. If he takes crazy money then don’t stand on podium and say it’s all about winning. He’s made over a 100 million and will make easily another 100. If he wants to live somewhere nice and enjoy his 30,s than sign a huge contract in Florida or California or wherever.
I am sure the agents involved with expiring contracts want a pecking order established.
Who pulls the trigger first ?
In my opinion Connor is worth more than Kaprizov. So does he get $17m . Max percentage of cap is set at 20%, if anyone that is McD.That number is $19m. So Kaprizov is 10% less than that ? Don’t think so
SilverSeven
Re “In my opinion Connor is worth more than Kaprizov. ”
He IS worth more. No ifs, ands , or buts
No Sane individual could possibly rationalize that Kaprizov is worth more than McD
Even Kaprizov and his agent know this
The only reason $16 M per is out there now is because Wild need him, he has the upper hand; but most importantly ; Liopold egotistically , arrogantly; and truly in misguided fashion publicly announced that he was going to pay Kaprisov to make him the NHL’s highest paid player.
No announcement by Liopold and I can easily see at least $1 M per knocked off the final contract, probably more.
Liopold alone has driven up Kaprisov’s market value.
If your employer tells the world that you are the world’s best at your job AND he doesn’t card that you only worked half the time AND no matter what you are going to be the highest paid player at your position; you will absolutely not be in a hurry to sign.
No announcement by Liopold; and let’s say Kaprisov gets to UFA next July, and stays healthy (not guaranteed) and puts up 40 goals; that get’s him maybe $14.5 M per
Kaprisov is not even as good as Leon let alone McDavid
Kaprisov remaining in the Twin Cities doesn’t even guarantee them a playoff spot let alone a Hubble telescope look at a Cup
McD needs to sit back; watch the drama from the sidelines; concern all hockey focus (until Kaprisov signs) on Oilers on-ice performance. THEN AFTER Kaprisov signs; pick up his candid conversations with his wife; then his agent; THEN fill out the contract exactly how he wants it; hand that to Bowman for his John Hancock
If Kaprizov is worth <16 million then McDavid is worth $25 million a year easily.
The most he can get under the CBA is $20.8 million. That’s 20 percent of the projected $104 million cap hit for 2026-27, the first season of his next contract.
thats nuts, 20.8 million a season, i think we are going to start seeing Basketball and NFL contracts in the next while.
I’m sure you’re right LXSTVXN … hockey seems headed down the same path that has led to this situation among pro sports fans
https://apnews.com/article/sports-streaming-cable-tv-poll-52a4d826a8baf05d46e71b1aa6a6fc80?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Lyle, glad to see no problems today posting. Thanks for fixing.
Thanks, Slick. Appreciate you and several others bringing the issue to my attention.
Hey Lyle, I still get alot of pop up ad videos when I enter the site and articles, is that normal. I even switched browsers to Samsung Internet. And I use Samsung Note device.
Nav, yes, that is normal. The ad we were referring to was a gambling ad that made it difficult for people to post up comments or covered the entire site.
Yup. No issues today!
Honestly for the betterment of the game going forward, Connor McDavid needs to play in a big Eastern Market. 97 playing at MSG would be LIT. 2nd choice would be Chicago or if he wants to remain out west and enjoy the warm beaches then Los Angeles is the way to go. This comment is not to offend the fans or city Edmonton. In reality let’s be honest, a player as electric as 97 is, he needs to be playing in a big market.
One solution is for all those “undesirable” smaller markets – at least as far as the “uber-stars” are concerned – to pull out and form a separate league and let the 2 New York teams, Chicago, L.A., Anaheim, Dallas, the 2 Florida teams and Vegas operate on their own.
Since there’s only so many positions to be filled, the “glitter” sites could fill out their rosters with 23 in the $15 mil up range and rename themselves the EHL (for Elite Hockey League), joined by Toronto if they wish to even it out.
The rest could remain in the NHL and, of course, retaining the Stanley Cup as the top prize, add Quebec City, a team in the GTA, and perhaps one in the Regina/Saskatoon region.
JAY-zuz.
Swap out Anaheim for Vancouver and now we’re talking 😅
Honestly for the betterment of the game going forward, Connor McDavid needs to be playing in a big Eastern Market. 97 skating at MSG would be LIT. 2nd choice would be Chicago or if he wants to remain out west and enjoy the warm beaches then Los Angeles is the way to go. This comment is not to offend the fans or city Edmonton. In reality let’s be honest, a player as electric as 97 is, he needs to be playing in a big market.
Mammoth Intend To Waive Connor Ingram
Maybe someone to add to Stevie Y’s growing collection of goalies! Yikes! 😉
Carter Hart will be courted by Utah!
Yes this Mammoth waiving move pretty well assures an aggressive pursuit of Hart
Ingram is only 1 year removed from a 907/2.91 50 GAme season. 28, less than $2 M cap hit; I’d think someone picks him up
Then there is this:
From http://Bookies.com 😀
Kirill Kaprizov Next Team Odds
Carolina Hurricanes | +400 (20%) 😏
Detroit Red Wings | +450 (18.2%) 🤔
Chicago Blackhawks | +450 (18.2%) 🤭
Minnesota Wild | +550 (15.4%) 😂
New York Rangers | +750 (11.8%) 💩
Philadelphia Flyers | +1000 (9.1%) 🙄
Boston Bruins | +1200 (7.7%) 😣
Pittsburgh Penguins | +1200 (7.7%) 🤮
The Field | +950 (9.5%)
I can see why Minnesota wants desperately to keep Kaprizov, who is a good player, however why anyone else would pay that much for a player who keeps getting injured and who will be 29 when the contract starts is beyond me. He will either stay at 17m or get like 14,5 if he wants to win somewhere else
Would the NHLPA be two-faced enough to complain if McDavid signed a contract for $9.7M? I can think of one other player that does that and you don’t hear a peep about it…
I love seeing the Red Wings as the second highest odds for Kirill, with our terrible draft lottery history we will need to sign a superstar, or find another late round gem like basically all of our 2008 Stanley Cup team.
In Kaprizov 1st 4 seasons, he missed 24 games. (1,1,15,7) Last years injury was only major injury and was due mostly to leg getting bent awkwardly under him while having 6’7 235lb Logan Stanley’s full weight jumping on your back. More importantly he’s played in all playoff games, in which he’s a point per game player. (And they haven’t won a series in 10 years( I honestly believe if he leaves, it’s more due to not wanting to live there for rest of his career. Panarin is probably NYR best free agent signing. He was 28 his 1st season in NY. His salary was 14.3% of cap at time. I’d be comfortable signing Kaprizov to replace him next off season if available
Not the same situation. Crosby and even Tavares’ discounts are in the twilight of their careers.
But if mcdavid signs at 9.7 at age 38 I doubt they’d take issue.
Even Crosby’s 12 year deal previously wouldn’t be scrutinized the same as Mcdavid’s will be as Crosby came off two concussion riddled seasons before signing so a long term deal still exposed risk at that time to the pens making any criticism from the union to be difficult.
Also Crosby would probably implode if one of his superstitious wires got crossed along the way haha.
I get what you are saying just see it as apples to oranges today