Things turn ugly in Kirill Kaprizov’s contract negotiations with the Wild

Contract negotiations between Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild are becoming increasingly tense, with insider Pierre LeBrun describing the situation as “edgy” and emotionally charged. As training camp opens, the Wild keep standing firm: they are not entertaining trade calls and remain focused on signing their star forward.

LeBrun reports that while teams around the league are reaching out about Kaprizov, Minnesota is clearly stating the priority is to keep him.

Teams are obviously trying to reach out but right now the Wild, what they’re telling everyone around the league, we’re still trying to sign him. And they believe they can. That’s important to note because I think when a player rejects a contract at that number, you kind of wonder where you go if you’re the Wild.

“I’m not even sure there’s that many teams around the league would pay him $16 million a year. But that’s how important he is to the Minnesota Wild . They still hope to sign him.”

The Wild have reportedly offered an eight-year deal worth $16 million per season, which he turned down and now negotiations are said to be growing tense.

While some within the Wild organization believe Kaprizov wants to stay, tensions have risen between GM Bill Guerin and Kaprizov’s agent, Paul Theofanous.

“This is not cordial. This is a little more edgy, let’s just say… last week was very emotional and it’s not clear what the endgame here is,” LeBrun added.

The Wild are cautious not to “negotiate against themselves,” feeling their offer is substantial, though LeBrun suggests they may have to budge if the talks continue. The key question remains: does Kaprizov actually want to stay in Minnesota?

Kaprizov is set to meet the media in Minnesota on Thursday as camp opens, but LeBrun expects his comments will be limited, leaving his agent to handle the discussions.

In the meantime, the situation is being closely monitored across the NHL, as Kaprizov’s future could dramatically impact the Wild’s future.

“A lot of teams around the league keeping a close eye on this because this one is a little more tense and could go a number of different ways. But for now, the Wild have not asked for a list of teams from Kaprizov, they still hope to sign him,” LeBrun explained.

Let’s hope for everyone involved that things get less tense and that an agreement can be reached sooner rather than later.