September 18, 2025 | 2:35pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

KAPRIZOV SAYS THEY HAVE “A LOT OF TIME”

Kirill Kaprizov, forward

Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov told reporters on Thursday that Minnesota is his “second home” and tried to calm the fanbase’s nerves by explaining that there is still plenty of time to get a contract extension ironed out.

Kaprizov, 28, is in the final year of a five-year, $45 million contract. Earlier this month, he and his agent Paul Theofanous rejected an eight-year, $128 million contract offer presented by the Wild, prompting speculation over his future with the club.

TFP’s David Pagnotta reported today that Theofanous is currently in Minnesota and “spoke with some of (the Wild's management).”

It is unclear what type of contract Kaprizov is looking for – be it a shorter-term contract or an average annual value worth more than the $16 million he was offered – but he confirmed his connected to the market.

“You guys know I like Minny,” he said, as quoted by The Athletic. “Everyone knows. We have a lot of time. It’s just 2025. It’s one more year I have.”

According to The Athletic’s Michael Russo, Theofanous met with Wild Assistant GM Mat Sells in the stands today “for nearly two hours” during the club’s practices and scrimmage.

Wild GM Bill Guerin declined to get into specifics, other than to reiterate it is their priority to get Kaprizov signed.

“It’s his life,” Guerin said. “It’s his contract. It’s his livelihood. I’m not gonna be out here telling you guys everything that’s going on. It just doesn’t help.”

Kaprizov appeared dialed in and eager to start the season, which is where his focus is, at the moment.

“My agent talk with Billy and the team,” he said. “It’s not my job right now. I just want to focus and be ready for the season and keep playing, and that’s it.

In 41 games with the Wild last season, he registered 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points.