Article: Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!

[Mikki Tuohy]

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[NoJoSux]

By this logic, #97 should sign for 8x13M... 

[Citizen Strife]

58 minutes ago, NoJoSux said:

By this logic, #97 should sign for 8x13M... 

That'd be a steal.

[mnfaninnc]

I think Mikki is on to something here. Let's look at a few other things-

Kaprizov was working out with Evegeni Malkin this offseason, a career Penguin. Sure, the Pens have won in the past, but they haven't been close these last few seasons. Malkin stayed there and Pittsburgh is not an East Coast power city. 

Kaprizov's idol is Alex Ovechkin a career Capitals player. Ovechkin has 1 cup and they really haven't had the playoff success that Pittsburgh has had. Yet, still, at the end of Ovechkin's career, he is still playing in the nation's capital. Washington could be considered a power city, but that is more from the public sector not the private sector so it's a different vibe. 

Kaprizov likes it in MN. I have no idea where he lives, but this could be a good place to raise a family. There's plenty of fishing and hunting to do which is very close. I think MN could fit his lifestyle better than big cities. Kaprizov likes to remain low key, and have some protection from a media circus. 

I think Kaprizov may be ready to sign, but he isn't here yet and the Wild will definitely want the signing to be public with a share of pomp. This is one reason why I don't think Russo's information is accurate. Euro players do think differently, and it's not paramount on their mind like NA players. They have a more patient approach, and believe it will get taken care of in time. They like to enjoy their vacation right now and are not so worried about the next thing. 

The time when you get the Euro players is right before they leave or right after they get back. Since Kaprizov was not eligible for an extension prior to leaving (July 1) he likely will just deal with it quickly when he gets back. There are no visa issues as Mikki has pointed out he's under contract for this season. 

So, in summary, as TMQ would say, "this is no time to panic, there will be plenty of time for that later." For some players, they prefer not to be in the bright lights and big city. For some players, it also isn't about who offers the largest contract. Getting in a Euro mindset is needed in this situation and I believe the Russian players think differently than the Swedish ones. One thing that would be really nice is if Kaprizov came back and told the Wild to watch a couple of Russian players that he worked out with flying under the radar. Getting a couple of those guys in the later rounds could pay pretty good dividends!

[Scalptrash]

Not so fast. Yes, he loves it here, but this is really the only America he has ever been exposed to. Not sure if he rents or owns, but he has a relatively modest apartment or condo in downtown Minneapolis. He hasn't purchased a home in MN, so his living situation could be seen as temporary.

He's made it clear on several occasions, all that he cares about is winning, not even self accomplishments are as important. He has been tied to the Rangers more than once and they would do anything to get him. It's a very long shot, given NY's current cap situation, but I believe it's far more likely for him to go East than Panarin to come West.

Right now, since no new contract has been signed, I'd place it at 50/50. Like I said earlier, for his best interest, he should wait until the trade deadline. He will know how close the Wild are to being a contender and his value will only increase the closer it gets. The biggest risk in waiting is injury, of course. If he suffered some life long injury at the hands of Logan Stanley, only he really knows and he will probably sign before training camp. This ain't over by a long shot. What happens if he doesn't re-sign? There's your next article. New GM, new coach, a true rebuild may finally happen. How many years did it take to recover from Gaborik leaving? I guess the real answer is, they never truly did. Kirill has yet to make it to the second round.

[Sam]

5 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

That'd be a steal.

Not according to the neigh-sayers. But I agree, get him signed for long term.

[TCMooch]

I could see him wanting to leave for a more competitive team that’s better on track to win the cup. That gives me the most worry. We are no closer to winning a cup than we were 10 years ago.

[mnfaninnc]

5 hours ago, Scalptrash said:

Not so fast. Yes, he loves it here, but this is really the only America he has ever been exposed to. Not sure if he rents or owns, but he has a relatively modest apartment or condo in downtown Minneapolis. He hasn't purchased a home in MN, so his living situation could be seen as temporary.

Just out of curiosity, and I don't mean anything nefarious by this, why would a guy who likes to remain pretty low key rent an apartment in Minneapolis instead of St. Paul where he needs to work? 

I mention this simply from an I haven't lived in the area for 40 years perspective, so I am certain that things have changed. Is there no nightlife in St. Paul? Is Minneapolis where all the entertainment is? 

Of course this has nothing to do with hockey, just looking for a local perspective. 

[Burnt Toast]

7 hours ago, Scalptrash said:

50/50

“I figure the odds be fifty fifty. I just might have something to say….” A year ago sure 50/50, now I’m at 95% certain he’s extending here. 

[FredJohnson]

Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!

It's a nice place to visit.

[Quebec1648]

6 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

Just out of curiosity, and I don't mean anything nefarious by this, why would a guy who likes to remain pretty low key rent an apartment in Minneapolis instead of St. Paul where he needs to work? 

I mention this simply from an I haven't lived in the area for 40 years perspective, so I am certain that things have changed. Is there no nightlife in St. Paul? Is Minneapolis where all the entertainment is? 

Of course this has nothing to do with hockey, just looking for a local perspective. 

Kaprizov is not the first Wild player to live in Minneapolis, and some have lived even farther west than Minneapolis. The travel time from Minneapolis to St. Paul is insignificant, unless it's rush hour or road construction season. A hundred years ago going from one city to the other would have been much more time consuming and an all day thing, but now it's not much of an issue. In fact, you could almost merge them, since they are essentially already connected. 

The Russian community in Minnesota is probably more on that side of town anyways, which could be good for Kaprizov.

Both cities have issues with high taxes, bad politicians and high crime rates, but I doubt that would affect things. If you have not been to Minneapolis in a long time, you might be shocked at what it looks like 40 years later.

[Pewterschmidt]

14 hours ago, mnfaninnc said:

Just out of curiosity, and I don't mean anything nefarious by this, why would a guy who likes to remain pretty low key rent an apartment in Minneapolis instead of St. Paul where he needs to work? 

I mention this simply from an I haven't lived in the area for 40 years perspective, so I am certain that things have changed. Is there no nightlife in St. Paul? Is Minneapolis where all the entertainment is? 

Of course this has nothing to do with hockey, just looking for a local perspective. 

Mpls has more high end condo options and the restaurant/shopping/night life scene are much better.  But P-Nut St. Paul is a great city…st Paul is fine for a day trip but 97 ain’t hanging out at Sweeney’s.  

[Pewterschmidt]

12 hours ago, FredJohnson said:

Don't Worry, Kirill Kaprizov Loves Minnesota!

It's a nice place to visit.

I always get a kick out of the claims that he loves it here because of the hunting and fishing. 

[mnfaninnc]

10 hours ago, Quebec1648 said:

Both cities have issues with high taxes, bad politicians and high crime rates, but I doubt that would affect things. If you have not been to Minneapolis in a long time, you might be shocked at what it looks like 40 years later.

I'd probably get lost which would not sit well with me. Yeah, there's Waze, but, I would like to be able to find my way without using an app. To me, that feels like cheating. 

And, yes, I still do have paper maps in my home. 

[Citizen Strife]

Russo speculates the Wild could offer as much as 8y/$128m/$16mAAV...

If Kap doesn't take that offer, or counter with any other year or money combo he desires, he is not staying for anything.  $16m per year is way beyond anything any other team would do, because no team is that desperate to have "The biggest star in franchise history" like the Wild do in this scenario.  

That is a shit ton of money, worth it or not.  He says no, you figure out any trade fast.

 

[Quebec1648]

If the Wild are going to pay Kaprizov anything close to what Russo speculates, then they better invest in some Logan Stanley insurance. Call Ottowa and swing a deal for Brady Tkachuk and pay whatever steep price they demand.

[goenzoy]

18 hours ago, Burnt Toast said:

A year ago sure 50/50, now I’m at 95% certain he’s extending here

For a long term contract I wouldn't be 95% certain no matter if  Kaprisov

likes Minnesota

[Burnt Toast]

2 hours ago, goenzoy said:

term

Agreed. I’m very uncertain about the length of his new deal because I don’t know how much risk he’s willing to take on. There’s a scenario where he rolls the dice on a 4 year deal and then sees how things look in 2029. I think a 33 year old KK would still have a lot of appeal. 

[MacGyver]

22 hours ago, Pewterschmidt said:

I always get a kick out of the claims that he loves it here because of the hunting and fishing. 

I always wondered where that take came from as well. By his own admission he says he spends most of his time in his apartment playing video games. If he's out on the lakes or trails he's doing a good job of being disguised. 

I think this guy is about one thing and one things only. Hockey. And that means a Stanley Cup sooner rather than later. 

[mnfaninnc]

21 hours ago, Citizen Strife said:

Russo speculates the Wild could offer as much as 8y/$128m/$16mAAV...

If Kap doesn't take that offer, or counter with any other year or money combo he desires, he is not staying for anything.  $16m per year is way beyond anything any other team would do, because no team is that desperate to have "The biggest star in franchise history" like the Wild do in this scenario.  

That is a shit ton of money, worth it or not.  He says no, you figure out any trade fast

What if Kaprizov only wants to commit to a 5 year deal, or a 3 year deal? Then what?

[mnfaninnc]

In another national article transcribing Russo and LaPanta, they talked a long time about Kaprizov and his extension. It is said Kaprizov is due back into town significantly after Labor Day. That probably doesn't mean today.

What I thought was interesting is that Russo has floated the 8 x $16m or $128m offer. They focused completely on the money, but the further along that the conversation went, it seemed to me that the panic button was being hit. (how is it that there is no emoji for a panic button?)

They then started talking about term and what if Kaprizov doesn't want to commit to the 8 years. Maybe 5, maybe 3, what if he wants to see just how well this 5 year plan is going to work out before he's all in? Of course, that would be betting on himself in this scenario.

Yet, this betting on himself also assumes he will be healthy and that would be the biggest question mark. Russo and LaPanta ended up talking about a scenario that has the Wild looking to trade him if he isn't willing to sign. But, the sticking point is Marian Gaborik, and how in his final year he was injured at about the beginning of the year which decimated any trade value. 

This does not linger in my mind, but does this linger in anyone else's mind? Does this add to a fans anxiety over getting it done quickly? Does the anxiety cause someone to think they need to add another Brinks truck to the offers? To me, it seems pretty clear. Kaprizov will deal with this when he gets back into town, and if it is a big signing, the Wild would want him there for a public appearance, and pictures of a smiling face on Kaprizov. 

If Kaprizov does sign 8 x $boatload, it would seem to me that if he's feeling iffy about the 8, that he would have a 10 team trade list on the back half of that deal, NMC through the 1st 4 years. He gets paid enough money to live like a king the rest of his life and still has an off ramp if the Shootah plan goes awry. 

 

[Scalptrash]

10 minutes ago, mnfaninnc said:

In another national article transcribing Russo and LaPanta, they talked a long time about Kaprizov and his extension. It is said Kaprizov is due back into town significantly after Labor Day. That probably doesn't mean today.

What I thought was interesting is that Russo has floated the 8 x $16m or $128m offer. They focused completely on the money, but the further along that the conversation went, it seemed to me that the panic button was being hit. (how is it that there is no emoji for a panic button?)

They then started talking about term and what if Kaprizov doesn't want to commit to the 8 years. Maybe 5, maybe 3, what if he wants to see just how well this 5 year plan is going to work out before he's all in? Of course, that would be betting on himself in this scenario.

Yet, this betting on himself also assumes he will be healthy and that would be the biggest question mark. Russo and LaPanta ended up talking about a scenario that has the Wild looking to trade him if he isn't willing to sign. But, the sticking point is Marian Gaborik, and how in his final year he was injured at about the beginning of the year which decimated any trade value. 

This does not linger in my mind, but does this linger in anyone else's mind? Does this add to a fans anxiety over getting it done quickly? Does the anxiety cause someone to think they need to add another Brinks truck to the offers? To me, it seems pretty clear. Kaprizov will deal with this when he gets back into town, and if it is a big signing, the Wild would want him there for a public appearance, and pictures of a smiling face on Kaprizov. 

If Kaprizov does sign 8 x $boatload, it would seem to me that if he's feeling iffy about the 8, that he would have a 10 team trade list on the back half of that deal, NMC through the 1st 4 years. He gets paid enough money to live like a king the rest of his life and still has an off ramp if the Shootah plan goes awry. 

 

It all depends on what is more important to him, his name on the cup or lifelong financial security. If he re-signs with the Wild, he can only have the latter. If he were to leave, he could potentially have both. The problem is, and McDavid is contemplating this right now, if the team overspends on one or two players, chances are they can't build a real contender.

If Kaprizov re-signs, I'm guessing 2-3 years. A prove it deal with the onus on Wild management. He would also get more money next time, after the large cap increases.

[Citizen Strife]

The issue is, even 2-5 years of Kap in his prime is still better than 90% of players, and which of those top 10% would even willingly sign here?

The alternative is a trade for futures and building the team around Boldy and Faber (Faber for sure marketing wise), but Kap is better than both.  From a playing perspective, marketing perspective, and morale perspective, Kap being the face if the franchise just is the best option until he flat out says no.  

I would prefer 8, but 3-5 is the remaining peak years.

 

[0 Stanley Cups]

23 minutes ago, Scalptrash said:

The problem is, and McDavid is contemplating this right now, if the team overspends on one or two players, chances are they can't build a real contender.

The issue EDM will face sooner rather than later is they will be lacking in solid prospects on ELC's in their pipeline, since teams that go all in year after year deplete their draft picks at the trade deadline.  UFA's will still take a discount to play with McDavid to try and win a cup though. 

The Wild have solid young prospects joining the team this year, but they must re-sign Kaprizov to attract any other top UFA's to want to come here in the future.  Whether Kaprizov signs a 2, 3, 5, or 8 year contract doesn't matter to me as long as he re-signs with the Wild. 

[Kato AK]

On 8/31/2025 at 6:18 AM, Citizen Strife said:

That'd be a steal.

That would be market rate for an elite winger. Thats 12.5% of next years salary cap, and both Rantanen and Marner signed for 12.5% of this years cap. In recent memory, the highest cap hit for a winger was Panarin at just over 14% and look how that worked out for NYR.