Kirill Kaprizov could be on the verge of changing the NHL’s salary landscape in a big way. The Minnesota Wild star is reportedly in early extension talks that might push his annual pay into historic territory, somewhere between $14 and $15 million per year.
If that happens, he’d overtake some of the league’s most recognizable names to become the NHL’s highest-paid player.
Kirill Kaprizov Closing in on Record-Setting NHL Contract with Minnesota Wild
Although Kaprizov’s current contract still has a season left at a $9 million cap hit, the Wild aren’t waiting around. According to insider David Pagnotta, both the team and Kaprizov’s agent, Paul Theofanous, have already started discussing what could be a game-changing extension.
David Pagnotta: Kaprizov’s probably in that $14-15m range on a longer term deal – Melnick in the Afternoon (7/21)
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) July 26, 2025
It’s a sign that Minnesota is serious about keeping its franchise cornerstone around for the long haul.
Since his debut in 2021, Kaprizov has delivered at an elite level with 185 goals and 201 assists in just 319 games. His offensive output puts him shoulder to shoulder with the NHL’s best. And even though the Wild haven’t found much success in the postseason, there’s no doubt Kaprizov has been their most dynamic and dependable player.
This kind of production doesn’t come cheap. If he lands the rumored figure, Kaprizov would surpass every current player in terms of annual salary, setting a new benchmark for elite NHL talent.
Top 5 Highest-Paid NHL Players (As Things Stand)
To understand the significance, take a look at the league’s five highest-paid players right now.
Leon Draisaitl is reportedly heading into a contract that could reach a $14 million cap hit. A key part of Edmonton’s powerhouse duo with Connor McDavid, Draisaitl’s offensive skills and versatility have made him a nightmare for defenses. He’s consistently among the league’s top scorers and a fixture on the power play.
Auston Matthews, at $13.25 million, is not far behind. The Maple Leafs center remains one of the league’s most explosive scorers and a consistent threat to win the Rocket Richard Trophy every season.
Nathan MacKinnon ranks next with a $12.6 million deal. The Colorado Avalanche alternate captain has been the team’s emotional and on-ice leader, playing a crucial role in their 2022 Stanley Cup run. His ability to take over games at will makes him one of the most feared players in the league.
Still widely regarded as the best player in the world, Connor McDavid’s $12.6 million cap hit reflects his unmatched talent. He consistently leads the league in scoring and plays with a level of vision and pace that few can match. His current contract now feels like a bargain given his impact on the game.
Mitch Marner’s fresh $12 million deal with the Golden Knights shook the offseason landscape. He brings elite two-way play, top-tier vision, and power-play skill to Vegas. The former Leafs star now becomes one of the league’s best-compensated wingers in a city hungry for more success.
Kaprizov isn’t just knocking on the door of this group; he’s poised to leap ahead. A $15 million contract would make him the new financial standard for top-tier forwards. It would also signal just how vital he’s become to the Wild’s identity and future.
