Kirill Kaprizov has shocked the hockey world. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Minnesota Wild superstar declined what would have been the most lucrative contract in league history.
During a meeting earlier this week, the Wild are believed to have placed an eight-year, $128 million offer on the table—an average of $16 million per season. No player in NHL history has ever signed for that much, either in annual cap hit or total value.
For comparison, Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl currently owns the league’s highest annual salary at $14 million. Minnesota’s proposal would have blown past that mark. Yet, despite the magnitude of the offer, Kaprizov turned it down. Just days ago, Wild owner Craig Leopold suggested negotiations were nearing completion, praising Kaprizov as “the best player and person you could ask for” and hinting that an agreement was close. That optimism now appears misplaced.
Since entering the NHL, Kaprizov has been a point-per-game machine, tallying 386 points in 319 regular-season contests. He still has one year left on his current contract.
Why Walk Away From History?
Turning down $128 million is almost unthinkable, but Kaprizov’s decision may have little to do with money.
Flexibility matters: An eight-year deal would keep him locked into Minnesota into his mid-30s. A shorter contract would preserve freedom to reassess his career trajectory.
The chase for the Cup: The Wild have been competitive but far from perennial contenders. Kaprizov may want the chance to join a franchise with a stronger shot at lifting the Stanley Cup.
Betting on the future cap: With the NHL’s salary ceiling projected to rise, rejecting now could give him leverage for an even bigger payday a few years down the road.
In short, Kaprizov’s choice might be less about financial security and more about control, ambition, and the pursuit of hockey’s ultimate prize.
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