Check out the latest on Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, and Bruins center Pavel Zacha in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

TSN: Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold is remaining patient as his club attempts to sign Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension, expressing full confidence in general manager Bill Guerin and his staff.

“Billy’s the guy. He’s the one that does the negotiating, no matter who it is, and that’s his responsibility and role,” Leipold said. “We’ve got a great relationship.”

At his annual preseason media address last year, Leipold confidently said that no other team could offer Kaprizov a longer or richer contract than the Wild. At the start of the offseason, Guein also expressed confidence in getting a deal done. However, that hasn’t happened yet, as the Kaprizov camp reportedly rejected an eight-year deal worth an average annual value of $16 million.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

Leipold noted that hockey is a team sport, but some players are special and tend to stand out. “So we’d love to have a player of his caliber on our team.” He also indicated that the rising salary cap is a factor. “So, it changes things, but we have to change with it.”

THE ATHLETIC: Michael Russo and Joe Smith believe negotiations are currently at a standstill. The Wild aren’t inclined to negotiate against themselves and keep offering more money.

It’s uncertain if Kaprizov’s agent is trying to squeeze the Wild for more money, if the winger is waiting to see what notable UFA-eligible players might get, or if he wants out of Minnesota.

For his part, Kaprizov said he considers Minnesota his second home. He believes there’s plenty of time to get a deal done.

THE FAN HOCKEY SHOW: Earlier this week, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman offered up his opinion of the Kaprizov situation.

“I do believe there’s been tampering slash whispering going on. I’ll never be able to prove it, but I believe it,” Friedman said.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Leipold’s comments about no team offering more years or dollars than the Wild have spurred Kaprizov’s agent into testing that theory.

Let this be a lesson for other NHL team owners. When asked about re-signing a star player, simply say you’re confident that your general manager can get a deal done, and leave it at that. Being outspoken makes good copy for reporters, but those remarks can haunt you when those contract talks begin.

Friedman seems to suggest that another team has quietly told Kaprizov’s agent that they’ll offer up more than the Wild. It’s easy to make that suggestion, but difficult to prove it. Besides, there’s no need for tampering from a rival team to prompt the Kaprizov camp to take this stance. They know their superstar client could get more on the open market than what the Wild is currently offering.

The Wild already made a monster bid for Kaprizov. You can’t blame his agent for wanting to see how much higher they’re willing to go. And for those of you calling the Kaprizov camp greedy, this is how a free market works. You offer your services to the highest bidder. Blame the game, not the player.

NJ.COM: Ryan Novozinsky reports New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton has heard the trade rumors swirling around him recently, even as he tries to ignore them.

The Devils are deep on defense and have other roster issues to address. They’re also trying to re-sign restricted free agent blueliner Luke Hughes, but are pressed for cap space.

Hamilton, 32, said he’s not concerned about the speculation. He acknowledged that it’s a business, and trades sometimes happen. However, he wants to remain with the Devils because he believes he can win a Stanley Cup with them.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton’s contract wouldn’t be easy to move. He’s signed through 2026-27 with an AAV of $9 million and a 10-team trade list, as well as a no-movement clause that prevents demotion to the minors.

THE ATHLETIC’s Vince Z. Mercogliano cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s report claiming the New York Rangers approached Artemi Panarin about a short-term, team-friendly contract extension. However, the 33-year-old winger didn’t bite.

Mercogliano stated that this jibes with what he recently wrote about the Rangers wanting to maintain salary-cap flexibility and not wanting to rush into a big commitment. Their priority is to wait and see what happens with next year’s UFA class.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: In other words, if Kirill Kaprizov becomes available, the Rangers want to ensure they have sufficient cap room to make the highest bid.

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy doesn’t understand why Bruins center Pavel Zacha is being bandied about in trade rumors right now.

Conroy cited Zacha’s solid all-around play and reasonable cap hit ($4.75 million) through next season as good reasons for the Bruins to hang onto him. He admits the 28-year-old forward would have good value in the trade market, but also thinks he’d be worthwhile to keep around even if the Bruins continue to rebuild.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zacha might force the issue if he feels his chances of playing for a contender are better elsewhere.