Wild Sign Kirill Kaprizov To An Eight-Year Extension

by | Sep 30, 2025

Wild Sign Kirill Kaprizov To An Eight-Year Extension

The Minnesota Wild and winger Kirill Kaprizov have agreed to an eight-year, $136 million contract extension.

Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov (NHL Images).

It’s a record-setting contract, making the 28-year-old Kaprizov the NHL’s highest-paid player with an average annual value of $17 million.

PuckPedia indicated that Kaprizov has a full no-movement clause throughout the contract, which begins in 2026-27.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: This shouldn’t be surprising. The Wild had no intention of losing their franchise player and the most exciting forward they’ve ever had.

Losing Kaprizov to free agency next summer, or being forced to move him at the March trade deadline if unable to re-sign him by then, would’ve been a huge setback to their hopes of becoming a Stanley Cup contender.

A proven scorer, Kaprizov tallied a career-best 47 goals and 61 assists for 108 points in 2021-22, which is the Wild single-season record. He also tallied 46 goals and 96 points in 2023-24.

Kaprizov’s injury history is a concern, missing 25 games in 2022-23 and 41 games last season. He’ll be 29 when this extension begins, and it’s unlikely this contract will age well during its latter four years.

Nevertheless, when healthy, Kaprizov is the engine that drives the Wild’s offense. Without him, their path toward Stanley Cup contention would be a more difficult one.

It will be interesting to see how Kaprizov’s new contract affects the free-agent market. It’s unlikely that he’ll be the highest-paid player for long, as that honor could go to Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, regardless of where he ends up on July 1.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 30, 2025

by | Sep 30, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 30, 2025

The latest on the Panthers, an update on Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, the Blackhawks are shopping winger Lukas Reichel, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports the Florida Panthers will have ample salary-cap flexibility once they place sidelined captain Aleksander Barkov on long-term injury reserve to start this season. He expects they’ll look at every option to replace Barkov between now and the March 6 trade deadline.

Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov (NHL Images).

Barkov underwent knee surgery last week and is expected to be sidelined for seven to nine months. The earliest he could return to action is late April.

Panthers general manager Bill Zito is known for his aggressive moves. “You do your projections, and so that just continues,” Zito said. “And if there’s something that we think makes us better as a team, we’ll do it. And if not, we don’t. It’s really no different.”

If Barkov returns sooner than expected, the new postseason salary cap means the Panthers can’t use up his entire $10 million cap hit and then bring him back after the regular season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Zito and his staff understand they won’t find anyone available who can suitably replace a leader and three-time Selke Trophy winner like Barkov. Nevertheless, they have a proven record over the last five years for making acquisitions that bolster their club. Even with the new postseason cap constraints, they could land someone who helps their chances for a Stanley Cup three-peat.

UPDATE ON BLUE JACKETS FORWARD YEGOR CHINAKHOV

THE ATHLETIC’s Aaron Portzline reported on “X” that Yegor Chinakhov skated on the Columbus Blue Jackets’ fourth line the last two days, and he hadn’t been part of their power-play practices.

The 24-year-old forward refused to comment on the situation. Meanwhile, head coach Dean Evason said they are still evaluating their forward line, noting that Chinakhov worked hard and did the right things during his three preseason games.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Chinakhov requested a trade through his agent in July, citing “misunderstandings” with Evason. He seemed happy with how things were going with the club after speaking with Evason on the eve of training camp, but he hasn’t rescinded his request.

BLACKHAWKS SHOPPING LUKAS REICHEL

THE ATHLETIC: Scott Powers reports the Chicago Blackhawks explored trading Lukas Reichel during the offseason. In the last few days, they’ve let teams know that the 23-year-old winger is available.

Powers believes it’s anyone’s guess where Reichel starts this season. He could be traded, claimed off waivers by another club, demoted to the Blackhawks’ AHL affiliate, or start the season on their roster.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blackhawks chose Reichel in the first round (17th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft. He was expected to become a scoring winger, but has struggled to meet expectations. With younger players already in the lineup and others within the Blackhawks’ prospect pool pushing for NHL jobs, Reichel could be running out of time to establish himself.

Earlier this month, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that Reichel believed that he was going to be traded to the Edmonton Oilers at one point during this summer. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes they could move the young forward, who might welcome the change.

SPORTSNET: During Monday’s “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman said there will be teams looking at the waiver wire for goaltending depth.

Friedman observed that Michael DiPietro of the Boston Bruins and Clay Stevenson of the Washington Capitals could hit the waiver wire this week. He said he’s “really curious” to see if they pass through waivers or get traded beforehand.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DiPietro is expected to be the starting goalie for the Bruins’ AHL affiliate in Providence, while Stevenson is supposed to fill the starter’s job for the Capitals’ AHL team in Hershey. Neither player is waiver-exempt this season.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2025

by | Sep 29, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 29, 2025

More Connor McDavid contract speculation, the latest on Evgeni Malkin, a report on the Devils contract talks with Jacob Markstrom, an update on Evgeny Kuznetsov, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

COULD CONNOR MCDAVID’S NEXT CONTRACT BE LESS EXPENSIVE THAN EXPECTED?

SPORTSNET: During Friday’s episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast”, Elliotte Friedman speculated that Connor McDavid’s next contract could be less expensive than originally believed.

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid (NHL Images).

Friedman said that there was talk during the summer that the average annual value of McDavid’s next deal would be $16 million. “It’s gonna be lower than we thought,” he said.

“I think there are teams hoping McDavid does sign so they can say, ‘Hey, if he comes in, say for argument’s sake at $15.5 million, nobody’s getting more than Connor McDavid.’”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It would be surprising if McDavid’s AAV is less than $16 million. The Edmonton Oilers will be thrilled to get him signed for that amount. If it is lower than expected, it could be because he’ll be on a one or two-year extension with an eye on a substantial raise in the near future.

However, I expect that number will be between $17 million and $18 million. McDavid remains the NHL’s top player, and he’ll want to be paid accordingly.

THE LATEST EVGENI MALKIN SPECULATION

PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski debunked “the bubbling trade rumors” that the Florida Panthers should look carefully at acquiring Penguins center Evgeni Malkin as a replacement for sidelined Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov.

The rumors are based on misunderstood comments made by Malkin recently when asked whether he’d consider a trade to a contender. He mentioned Brad Marchand going to the Panthers last season as a good story, but said he didn’t know how he would feel if the Penguins wanted to trade him.

Nevertheless, Kingerski wondered if Marc-Andre Fleury’s return to Pittsburgh to say goodbye on his own terms might affect Malkin’s thinking about waiving his no-movement clause. The Panthers might be a good short-term fit, but they don’t have much trade bait in terms of prospects. Kingerski believes young Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich would have to be part of the return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Malkin and the Penguins will let this season unfold and see how things shake out. General manager Kyle Dubas said he’d meet with the 39-year-old center during the Olympic break in February to discuss his future.

As for Malkin going to the Panthers, they could have other targets in mind besides an aging future Hall of Famer whose best seasons are behind him and whose style of play is different from Barkov’s.

EVGENY KUZNETSOV IS STILL HOPING TO SIGN WITH AN NHL TEAM

RG.ORG: Daria Tuboltseva reports Evgeny Kuznetsov hasn’t given up on his desire to return to the NHL.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers are reportedly considering the possibility of signing the 33-year-old center.

“Evgeny wants to play in the NHL,” a source told Tuboltseva. “Right now he’s waiting on Toronto’s decision, though Florida is also an option.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Recent reports out of Toronto claimed the Maple Leafs could move a forward because they have a logjam up front. Unless there has been a change in those plans, Kuznetsov doesn’t appear to be a fit there.

Meanwhile, the Panthers are reportedly looking within their ranks to offset Barkov’s absence for now. They could consider making additions later in the season, but it could take months before they reach that point.

LATEST ON JACOB MARKSTROM’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE DEVILS

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols cited a report by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes claiming the Devils offered goaltender Jacob Markstrom an extension with an AAV of around $5 million. It’s unknown what the term would be, or if Markstrom rejected the offer.

Markstrom, 35, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next July. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $6 million.

THE LATEST ON THE FLAMES

SPORTSNET: Eric Francis reports the Calgary Flames are still determining whether Devin Cooley or Ivan Prosvetov will become their backup goaltender this season.

One of them will end up on waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate. It’s doubtful they would clear, as several teams have expressed an interest in Cooley, and a handful were bidding to sign Prosvetov before he joined the Flames.










Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 28, 2025

by | Sep 28, 2025

Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup – September 28, 2025

Which NHL superstar is most likely to play for a new team? What’s the latest on Jake Walman’s contract talks with the Oilers? Will the Maple Leafs trade David Kampf this season? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.

SPORTSNET: Michael Amato recently looked at which four NHL superstars are most likely to be on a new team next season.

Amato noted the trade rumors swirling around Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, and Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (NHL Images).

The rumors about McDavid and Kaprizov are mostly based on their eligibility for unrestricted free-agent status next July and the lack of progress in contract extension negotiations with their respective teams.

Crosby is in the first season of a two-year contract with the rebuilding Penguins. Speculation suggests he could grow weary of another lost season and request a trade to a contender.

Hughes entered the rumor mill after Jim Rutherford, the Canucks president of hockey operations, said in May that the 25-year-old defenseman would one day like to play with his brothers, Jack and Luke, who both play for the New Jersey Devils.

Of the four, Amato considers Hughes the most likely to be playing elsewhere next season. McDavid isn’t likely to find a better opportunity to win the Stanley Cup elsewhere. Kaprizov is the Wild’s franchise player, and they don’t want to lose him. Crosby remains determined to stay in Pittsburgh.

The Canucks will want to know next summer if Hughes intends to sign a contract extension. Last season was a nightmare for the club, and they face an uphill climb to create an environment and situation that will make him want to stay.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: A lot can happen for all four players that could convince them to move on. Nevertheless, Hughes’ situation makes him the most likely of the group to be playing elsewhere next season. It will take a significant bounce-back performance by the Canucks this season to convince him that this team can be a serious contender.

EDMONTON JOURNAL: Kurt Leavins believes contract extension talks between the Oilers and defenseman Jake Walman have gone well, and that the two sides are close on a long-term deal. He thinks an eight-year contract has been discussed, but a six-year deal is more likely.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Walman, 29, is in the final season of a three-year contract with an average annual value of $3.4 million.

The Oilers have a projected $42 million in cap space for 2026-27. Taking into account the high cost of re-signing Connor McDavid, they will have enough to sign Walman to a lucrative extension worth up to $5.5 million annually.

THE ATHLETIC: Jonas Siegel reports David Kampf’s days with the Toronto Maple Leafs may be numbered. The 30-year-old forward spent the offseason expecting to be traded, but it never happened.

Kampf has been replaced as fourth-line center by Scott Laughton. He said it’s up to management if he’s still a fit with the Leafs. His spot on the club is in further jeopardy with promising forward Easton Cowan in line to make the team.

Siegel speculates Kampf could end up clearing waivers and getting demoted rather than traded. He pointed to his $2.4 million AAV as being “just large enough to be unattractive”.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2025

by | Sep 27, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 27, 2025

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson is still drawing interest from other clubs, a theory as to why Luke Hughes’ contract talks with the Devils remain stalled, and more in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

R.ORG: James Murphy reports Rasmus Andersson hasn’t closed the door on a possible contract extension with the Calgary Flames. However, that hasn’t stopped some insiders from suggesting that the 28-year-old defenseman will likely be moved by the March trade deadline.

According to an NHL source, the Flames have been taking calls from teams looking into Andersson’s availability. They include the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning.

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images)

The Detroit Red Wings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Boston Bruins were also interested in Andersson around the draft. Murphy’s source isn’t sure how much they’re still pushing, but thinks it makes sense if they were.

It had also been reported that the Vegas Golden Knights had a deal in place for Andersson before the draft, but it ultimately fell through. Murphy’s source doesn’t know if they may have circled back.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Teams may be calling about Andersson, but it’s obvious that the Flames haven’t received any tempting offers thus far. That could change once the calendar flips to January and the trade deadline approaches. Some of those teams mentioned by Murphy could be among the suitors by then.

NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: James Nichols believes the overlooked factor in Luke Hughes’ stalled contract talks with the Devils is the defenseman’s agent, Pat Brisson.

Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon and Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby are two of Brisson’s clients. MacKinnon was once considered to have one of the best value contracts in the league, and his current one (with a $12.6 million annual cap hit) could make that list again as the salary cap rises. Meanwhile, Crosby’s contract is also a little light on his wallet, with a $2 million surplus value.

Jack Hughes, Luke’s brother and teammate, is another Brisson client. His contract is considered the No. 1 bargain deal in the league today ($8 million AAV).

Luke’s next contract could be an eight-year deal, but the AAV is the sticking point. His camp could seek a figure starting at $9 million or more to ensure he remains well-paid throughout the deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Crosby’s $8.7 million AAV is based on his superstition over his No. 87. Nevertheless, Nichols does raise an interesting point.

The Hughes camp sees their client as a future No. 1 defenseman. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly, they want to ensure he’ll be compensated as one throughout the tenure of his next contract.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes recently reported that Washington Capitals goaltender Clay Stevenson’s impressive play during training camp and preseason action has drawn interest from several teams. He could become a potential waiver claim.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren are locks as the Capitals’ goalie tandem this season. Stevenson has to pass through waivers before being sent to their AHL affiliate in Hershey. They could avoid that by carrying all three goalies, but that creates difficulty in finding suitable playing time for everyone.










NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2025

by | Sep 26, 2025

NHL Rumor Mill – September 26, 2025

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.