Avalanche rival on the brink of losing franchise superstar after stunning contract rejection
Photo credit: Brace Hemmelgarn / Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche's divisional rival, the Minnesota Wild, are on the brink of a major shake-up as franchise superstar Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejects a contract extension, leaving the team facing the possibility of losing their top scoring superstar.
Kaprizov has reportedly turned down a $128 million contract offer from the Wild.
Avalanche rival on the brink of losing franchise superstar.
Sportsnet reports that the Wild and Kaprizov reportedly failed to reach an agreement in their latest contract negotiations. The star forward turned down an eight-year, $128-million extension on Tuesday, according to hockey insider Frank Seravalli.
The deal would have set an NHL record for both total value and average annual value, at $16 million per season.
Kaprizov, 28, has been eligible to sign an extension since July 1 and can become a free agent in 2026.
"Despite just five seasons in the NHL, Kaprizov has already established himself as one of the league's most prolific scorers. The three-time 40-plus goal-scorer has been a point-per-game player in all but one of his NHL seasons and captured the Calder Trophy following his rookie season in 2020-21." -Sportsnet
The Russian forward battled injuries last season, limiting him to 41 games, but still managed 25 goals and 31 assists while matching his career-high shooting percentage of 17.2.
A three-time All-Star, Kaprizov was a late-round gem for the Wild, selected 135th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.
Signing Kaprizov would instantly elevate the team to a playoff contender, and with a few additional pieces, could even put them into Stanley Cup contention.
If he doesn't return, however, it could represent one of the franchise's worst blows, failing to retain a true superstar.
Source:
Sportnet
Report: Wild's Kirill Kaprizov rejects NHL-record contract offer
Source:
Sportnet
Report: Wild's Kirill Kaprizov rejects NHL-record contract offer
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 11 | 28 ANSWERS Avalanche rival on the brink of losing franchise superstar after stunning contract rejection Do you think the Wild will find a way to re-sign superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov? | ||
| yes | 19 | 67.9 % |
| no | 9 | 32.1 % |
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