Kaprizov Going To Get Auston Matthews Money

That's Wild

On Monday's episode of 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman spent some time discussing Kirill Kaprizov. Not his future with the Minnesota Wild specifically and if the team is looking to re-sign him, because of course they are; but it was about specific dollar amounts for his next deal that will start in the 2026-27 season. Friedman was adamant that he wouldn't be shocked if Kaprizov was going to get a cap hit on his new contract in the range of Auston Matthews's $13.25-million AAV, or Leon Draisaitl's $14-million AAV.

And, that sort of makes sense. Kaprizov is the Wild's most important player, so if he were to stay it would be in that range, especially with the cap projected to increase by a whole lot in the coming years. Especially considering that if the Russian winger hit the open market, we could bank on him getting at least that per year. [Sportsnet]

• How red are the Wild's red flags? While the team is winning a whole lot, there are a couple areas of concern. How concerned should we be? [Hockey Wilderness]
• Gophers star Matthew Knies got to come home to Minnesota and play an NHL game. [Pioneer Press]

Off the trail...

• Connor McDavid is back skating again for the first time since suffering his injury. [NHL.com]
• Intriguing trends through the first 10 games over there in the Metropolitan Division. [THW]
• Five once-unbreakable NHL records that are now within reach. [Daily Faceoff]