Avalanche take notice as insider hints at rival superstar's next destination
Photo credit: Nick Wosika / Imagn Images
The Colorado Avalanche are taking notice after an insider hinted at where divisional rival Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov could be headed next, sparking speculation about a potential blockbuster trade.
Kaprizov has reportedly turned down a $128 million contract offer from the Wild.
Kirill Kaprizov reportedly wants to play for the New York Rangers.
Hunter Bowman from Blades of Steel writes that a reliable source close to the New York Rangers has confirmed significant updates on the team's position amid all the speculation surrounding Kaprizov and his situation with the Minnesota Wild.
"Recently there has a been a ton of news surrounding Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild, as there were talks about him during down a recored breaking deal valued at $128M over eight seasons." -Bowman
However, this was later proven false when Wild GM Bill Guerin addressed the situation, confirming that no such deal was ever offered.
"I know two things, that info didn't come from us and it didn't come from Kirill's agent, I don't know where it came from." -Guerin
"Along with this, there has also been reports of the Minnesota Wild's asking Kirill Kaprizov to submit his trade-list. Which is where the major news comes in for the New York Rangers." -Bowman
Rangers reporter Vince Z. Mercogliano notes that the Rangers are among the few teams Kaprizov would likely consider in a trade, due in parts to his connections with several players in the organization.
Here's what he said...
"This is a situation I'm keeping a close eye on. There are a lot of connections to make here. Kaprizov and Panarin share the same agent, and l've also heard he's close with fellow Russians (and Rangers) Igor Shesterkin and Vladislav Gavrikov. I think there are a lot of selling points that would appeal to Kaprizov if he decides not to re-up with Minnesota. Of course, there's a long way to go and there's clearly some posturing going on here. But I've heard the Rangers would be on his short list, and we know Drury has growing cap space and a desire to reshape the core. I expect them to be aggressive if he ever becomes available.
What would it take to pull off a trade? I'd imagine a couple first-round picks (they conveniently have two next year) and a player like Alexis Lafrenière.
Clearing Laf's salary might give them the ability to sign Kaprizov and keep Panarin, assuming the latter is willing to take a bit of a pay cut to stay." -Mercogliano
What would it take to pull off a trade? I'd imagine a couple first-round picks (they conveniently have two next year) and a player like Alexis Lafrenière.
Clearing Laf's salary might give them the ability to sign Kaprizov and keep Panarin, assuming the latter is willing to take a bit of a pay cut to stay." -Mercogliano
This doesn't guarantee that Kaprizov will end up with the Rangers, but it's definitely a storyline to watch as developments unfold.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 19 ANSWERS Avalanche take notice as insider hints at rival superstar's next destination Do you think Kaprizov re-signs with the Wild? | ||
| yes | 10 | 52.6 % |
| no | 9 | 47.4 % |
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