Minnesota Wild Pursues Kirill Kaprizov $120M Extension, Acquires Vladimir Tarasenko

The Minnesota Wild are focused on securing a contract extension for star winger Kirill Kaprizov, who is expected to sign a record-setting eight-year deal potentially worth $120 million, reflecting his status as a key player despite limited games last season. To bolster their roster and support Kaprizov, the Wild acquired veteran winger Vladimir Tarasenko from the Detroit Red Wings, hoping his experience and two Stanley Cup championships will help revive his scoring form and add depth to the team. Tarasenko, who has faced a decline in production recently, views the move as a fresh start and has spoken positively about joining the Wild and playing alongside Kaprizov, with whom he shares an agent. Wild president and GM Bill Guerin acknowledges the risks involved with Tarasenko’s recent performance but believes a bigger role and better team fit could reignite his career. Despite some fan concerns about Kaprizov’s extension timeline, Guerin and owner Craig Leipold express confidence in reaching an agreement and emphasize the plan to build a competitive team around him, leveraging expected salary cap increases for future flexibility. The Wild’s strategy includes patiently assembling talent to maximize Kaprizov’s prime years and maintain a strong, championship-contending lineup.