Kirill Kaprizov reportedly turns down largest contract offer in NHL history
Minnesota Wild star, a three-time All-Star, declined an eight-year, $128 million extension, according to a report
Kirill Kaprizov has reportedly rejected an eight-year, $128 million contract extension from the Minnesota Wild that would have been the largest in NHL history by both total value and average annual value, according to a report by Frank Seravalli.
The 28-year-old forward, a three-time NHL All-Star who has recorded 386 points in 319 career games, is in the final season of a five-year, $45 million contract. The Wild’s offer — which Seravalli reported was presented during a meeting on Tuesday and declined by Kaprizov’s representatives — would have eclipsed the previous high-water mark of $124 million over 13 years, the deal Alex Ovechkin signed with the Washington Capitals in 2008.
The refusal to accept the extension prompted immediate reaction online, with some fans on X questioning Kaprizov’s motives and others calling for a trade if an agreement could not be reached. "This is comical. What does he expect from other teams?" one post read. "This is disrespectful. I would trade him," another said. Team and league officials have not released additional comment beyond acknowledging ongoing negotiations.
Kaprizov has been the focal point of Minnesota’s offense since his NHL debut in 2020 and has helped the Wild reach the playoffs in four of the last five seasons. Despite regular-season success, Minnesota has been unable to advance past the first round during that stretch. Wild owner Craig Leipold expressed optimism about retaining his star last week, telling The Athletic, "I just feel like we're not that far off. I kind of think we're there. I like to believe when Kirill comes over and gets a sense again for the excitement and the love of the city, I think we'll be moving forward in a good direction."
The timing of the reported rejection leaves Kaprizov playing the 2025-26 season in the final year of his current deal, a situation that could affect contract leverage, trade discussions and roster planning for Minnesota. General manager and front-office strategy typically are not disclosed during active negotiations, and no new proposal has been publicly announced by the Wild.
Minnesota opens its regular season at the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 9. The Wild enter training camp and the preseason period facing a roster and cap calculus that now must account for a potential high-profile contract impasse, while also preparing for a season in which the franchise will again be judged on its ability to translate regular-season production into deeper playoff runs.
Representatives for Kaprizov and the Wild did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation. Media reports attribute the details of the offer and its rejection to Seravalli’s sources; the club has previously expressed desire to keep Kaprizov in Minnesota while Kaprizov’s camp has not publicly outlined its long-term intentions.
As negotiations continue, the outcome will be closely watched around the league because of its financial significance and its potential to influence contract negotiations for other elite players. For now, Kaprizov will report to training camp without a contract extension in place and with one year remaining on his current deal.