Real reason behind Kirill Kaprizov’s contract standoff as Connor McDavid gets involved!

The Kirill Kaprizov contract saga took many twists this week, and this time Connor McDavid’s looming monster deal may be at the center of it all.

On Wednesday, Kaprizov’s camp reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128 million extension from the Minnesota Wild. The deal would have made him the highest-paid player in NHL history, with an AAV of $16 million. Instead of celebrating a historic signing, the Wild are now back to square one, and speculation is only getting more intense.

Some insiders initially suggested Minnesota had even asked Kaprizov for a trade list, though that rumor was quickly shut down. Elliotte Friedman then revealed Kaprizov’s camp may believe another NHL team would be willing to go even higher.

Now, Marco D’Amico has added another layer to the chaos. According to his sources, the delay could be tied directly to McDavid. Kaprizov’s camp reportedly wants a deal close to 20% of the salary cap, potentially $18–19 million annually — and they’re in no rush until they see what number McDavid sets on his next contract.

“He’s pushing for close to 20 percent of the salary cap, so there’s no reason to rush right now,” a source close to the situation told RG. “He’ll look for $18 or even $19 million on an eight-year deal.”

Adding: “He’s going to wait until McDavid signs his deal and then make his decision. The Wild’s owner put himself in a tough spot by saying he’d make Kaprizov the highest-paid player. Now his hands are tied.”

It sounds like it’s not only about term and money, but timing as well. With projections that the NHL salary cap could nearly double over the next decade (from $95M to $170M), locking in long-term today may not maximize future earnings. And since the CBA allows a player to take up to 20% of the cap, Kaprizov’s team has every incentive to hold off until the new standard is established.

Wild owner Craig Leipold promised earlier this summer he would make Kaprizov the highest-paid player in NHL history, meaning it would be more than the one signed by Alex Ovechkin in 2008. The Washington Capitals superstar inked a 13-year pact worth $124 million. The highest cap hit is owned by Leon Draisaitl at $14 million. He signed an eight-year, $112-million extension with the Edmonton Oilers in September 2024.

That statement now boxes the team into a corner especially with the focus on McDavid’s possible historic extension in Edmonton. Until McDavid re-signs, it looks like Kaprizov is content to play the waiting game.