Kirill Kaprizov's Future with the Wild Takes a Significant Turn and It's a Perfect Opportunity for the Canucks
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A Minnesota Wild star forward is reportedly not close to a contract extension with the team this summer and could be a potential UFA option for the Vancouver Canucks in 2026.
The last four weeks have been relatively quiet for the Vancouver Canucks, aside from the signing of Vitali Kravtsov and while the club is still hoping to make another addition to the roster, the team may have to settle for what they have right now, at least to start the season.
Patrik Allvin and the team's management staff might have their sights set on the 2025-26 season right now, but there's no question that they already have an eye on the 2026 NHL free agent class, which could potentially include some stars, including Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild, who is reportedly not close to agreeing to an extension.
Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov reportedly not close to extension, option for Vancouver Canucks?
Back in late July, Michael Russo of The Athletic, who covers the Minnesota Wild on a daily basis, gave an update on contract negotiations between the team and Kirill Kaprizov's camp.
According to Russo, while Wild General Manager Bill Guerin believes the team will get something done with the Russian star the two sides are not close on a new deal.
"Bill Guerin has been extremely publicly confident that they are going to get it done. But from what I checked on the last couple days, they are not close." Russo said during an appearance on the DFO Rundown Podcast.
Russo also went on to share that he thinks the average annual value (AAV) of Kirill Kaprizov's next contract will be more than that of Edmonton Oilers star forward Leon Draisaitl, who currently earns $14 million per season.
"I think he's definitely going to surpass (Leon) Draisaitl. This is one franchise that has never had a superstar like (Kirill) Kaprizov. It is imperative that they get him done, and it's not going to be for $14 million (AAV). He will become the highest paid winger in the National Hockey League. The question is how much and how long? And if he does it?" Russo said.
Now, the start of the 2026 free agent window is still ten months away, so anything can happen between now and then, with the most likely scenario being Kaprizov signing a long-term deal with the Minnesota Wild.
However, on the off chance that he does hit the open market, Patrik Allvin and the Vancouver Canucks should see if they're able to offload some money ahead of Canada Day 2026 to make a run at the 28-year-old Novokuznetsk, Russia native.
It might be unlikely that Kirill Kaprizov would become a Vancouver Canuck next summer, especially with the team's management group needing to consider an extension for Quinn Hughes and the money needed to complete that, but it would be a wise decision to at least check in and see if they could get a deal done.
Source: Yardbarker
Kirill Kaprizov, Wild 'not close' on contract extension, insider says
Kirill Kaprizov, Wild 'not close' on contract extension, insider says
Previously on CanucksDaily
