'Nobody Will Offer More Money Than Us': Wild On Re-signing Kaprizov

Hockey games that actually matter have not happened yet, so of course instead of being able to wrap ourselves in what is going on in the ice and keep conversations busy with that, we're stuck with contract dramatics multiple years down the road.

Kirill Kaprizov is certainly the most talented player to ever play for the Minnesota Wild. That doesn't feel hyperbolic in any way. With his contract expiring after next season, and him eligible to re-sign with the Wild on July 1, 2025, discussion surrounding that possibility is already starting to come out and recently, Wild owner Craig Leipold said something fairly bullish but realistic.

Per Jessi Pierce, Leipold essentially said that they have to show Kaprizov (and other free agents) that the Wild are committed to winning and consistently in the playoffs. The team is obviously planning on re-signing him and the kicker is that Leipold puffed out his chest and said "Nobody will offer more money than us, or longer". 

The Wild do have the capability to sign him for eight years, while other teams in free agency can only offer seven, so technically it will be longer and possibly more money even if it is the same salary.

Sometimes it is just good to hear that they won't do something so stupid like give up on Kaprizov staying in Minnesota, for now.

That's Wild

• The Athletic's preview of the Wild season with player projections, points, stats, and everything else. [The Athletic]
• John Hynes must develop this team's true identity for the 2024-25 season. [Hockey Wilderness]
• Oh, and a game happened too. The Wild destroyed the lowly Chicago Blackhawks by a score of 7-2 and a nearly complete lineup had a lot of solid production. [NHL.com]

Off the trail...

• The Jeremy Swayman Saga continues in Boston with their starting goaltender still not signed to a contract. We did get some information about what the team's actual offer was, though. [Daily Faceoff]
• The Columbus Blue Jackets are granted a slight salary cap exemption to start the season, with the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau. They are currently under the salary floor, but now have a little bit more time to reach that instead of trying to be compliant by the season's start. [TSN]
• The Atlantic Division might be the most interesting division in the NHL. So, who can move up and who will move down for the 2024-25 season? [Sportsnet]