Written On: September 30, 2025
Last Edited: November 14, 2025
In late September, professional hockey player Karil Kaprizov signed an 8 year contract extension with the Minnesota Wild for $136 million. This is an average annual value (AVV) of $17 million. This is the highest AVV in NHL history. Previous to this new signing, Kaprizov was signed under a 5‑year, $45 million deal (AAV $9 million). This contract ran up until the 2025-2026 season leaving him in need of a new deal.
Kaprizov’s contract sparks debate across NHL fans. He earlier rejected an 8 year contract for $128 million. This could mean he was in interest for more money from the team, prioritizing it as a player. Despite the intense drama of this deal, Kaprizov stayed grounded about the situation. “You guys know I like Minny,” he said. “Everyone knows. We have a lot of time. It’s just 2025. It’s one more year I have.”
Other top NHL stars are being paid significantly less than Kaprizov. The second highest paid player is Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl is being paid roughly $14 million AVV. The third highest being Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs making $13.25 Million AVV.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman noted that the Wild needed to keep the contract extended regardless of how they paid him. Letting him walk away as a free agent would be a large loss for the team.
“If Kaprizov signs for 17, what’s McDavid gonna get?’ McDavid’s gonna get 20 to 25 M if he wants it. No matter what Kaprizov gets, they are not the same things” (Elliot Friedman). Many do not consider Kaprizov to be the best player in the league. Sportsnet states he is number 8 in “THE NHL’S TOP 50 PLAYERS 2025-26: 10-1.” Players like McDavid (number 1 according to sports net will be able secure better contracts.
When Kaprizov joined the Minnesota Wild, he quickly became the face of the franchise. Kaprizov is a shifty Russian forward with extremely impressive speed, agility, scoring ability, and perseverance through injuries. He adds a very unique presence to the Wilds offence making him one of the most entertaining players to watch. His new contract truly emphasizes his importance to the team.
In Kaprizov’s rookie season, he won the 2021 Calder Memorial trophy, given to the rookie of the year. His season consisted of 27 goals and 24 assists in just 55 games, leading all rookies in goals. Him winning the Calder trophy marked an important turning point for the Minnesota Wild and solidified his spot as the franchise’s superstar.
The Wild have not won a playoff series in 10 years; with Kaprizov re-signed for 8 years, they hope to turn the program around.
Sources:
https://www.nhl.com/news/kirill-kaprizov-signs-eight-year-136-million-contract-with-minnesota-wild
