The hockey world is buzzing, and here at NHLTradeRumor.com, we’ve been deep in the trenches, analyzing every angle of the recent flurry of high-profile signings. One question, in particular, has been echoing through the leagues: With a slew of recent signings, did the Minnesota Wild overpay for Kirill Kaprizov?
Just days after the Minnesota Wild inked Kirill Kaprizov to a massive $17 million per season deal, setting a new benchmark for the franchise, the NHL witnessed a cascade of other superstar contracts. Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, and even the generational talent Connor McDavid, all signed for what, on the surface, appeared to be significantly less. This immediate juxtaposition certainly raised eyebrows and led many to wonder if Wild General Manager Bill Guerin might be feeling a touch of buyer’s remorse.
From my perspective as a seasoned NHL observer, the quick answer is an emphatic “absolutely not.” NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reached out to Bill Guerin shortly after the Jack Eichel contract news broke, completing what was a hat-trick of major signings that week, starting with McDavid and then Connor. Guerin’s response was crystal clear and delivered with absolute conviction: keeping their superstar, Kirill Kaprizov, at a cost of $17 million AVV, and he would do it again in a heartbeat.
Why the “Overpay” is a Smart Investment
It’s crucial to understand that each market in the NHL operates under different circumstances. For the Minnesota Wild, that $17 million AVV was the price of admission to retain a player of Kaprizov’s caliber. As Guerin rightly pointed out, giving Kaprizov $17 million is a far superior option than watching him walk away as a free agent at the end of the season, leaving an almost impossible void to fill. The July 1st free-agent market is already thinning at the top, and replacing a player like Kirill Kaprizov via trade would be an astronomical challenge.
While many, including myself, might informally label it an “overpay” in pure monetary terms compared to some other deals, from the Minnesota Wild’s strategic perspective, it’s a necessary and justifiable investment. Minnesota is a market that historically struggles to attract top-tier free agents on July 1st. Given this reality, securing their homegrown talent, especially a dynamic superstar like Kaprizov, becomes paramount. The Wild have no regrets about the $17 million per year for Kaprizov, particularly when you consider the more team-friendly contracts for other core players like Matt Boldy ($7 million), Joel Eriksson Ek ($5.25 million), and Brock Faber ($8.5 million). While Kaprizov’s deal sets a new high for the team, it’s a foundational piece that ensures the Wild remain competitive and exciting.
Kirill Kaprizov’s contract might look steep, but it solidifies the Minnesota Wild’s commitment to building a winning team around its star players. This deal sets a precedent for how the team values its talent and its vision for future success in a challenging market.
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