Wild plans extension for Kaprizov ahead of contract year

The Minnesota Wild have entered a pivotal offseason and are prioritizing signing star winger Kirill Kaprizov to a contract extension as his current deal enters its final year. General manager Bill Guerin expressed strong confidence in reaching a new agreement, emphasizing both the team's ability to offer the longest and most lucrative deal and Kaprizov's positive relationship with the organization. Kaprizov, who missed significant time due to injury but returned to deliver a strong postseason performance, has reiterated his affection for Minnesota, calling it his 'second home.' The team, having faced salary cap constraints in recent years and falling short in the playoffs, sees retaining Kaprizov as foundational to building a deeper, more competitive roster. Both Guerin and owner Craig Leipold have publicly stated that the Wild will do everything possible to keep Kaprizov long-term, viewing him as central to their future success. The Wild will be able to offer Kaprizov an eight-year extension starting July 1, which no other NHL team can match.