This NHL offseason has been drier than most, but one team that has been full of drama is the Minnesota Wild. On one hand, the Minnesota management has been in a contract stalemate with forward Marco Rossi since the start of free agency.
On the other hand, veteran winger Kirill Kaprizov has also been reluctant to re-sign with Minnesota. However, while rumors suggest that both players are currently at a standstill with the franchise, for GM Bill Guerin, this isn’t surprising.
GM Guerin Says He Isn’t Surprised by What’s Happening With Kirill Kaprizov and Marco Rossi
Since the season ended, Minnesota’s management and Rossi’s camp have been at odds over his contract demands. Rossi’s camp has demanded a contract of $6-7 million, which puts him in the same range as Matt Boldy.
And while Rossi’s 60 points in 82 regular-season games warrant this price, the Minnesota don’t seem to agree. Meanwhile, Kaprizov, in the final year of his five-year, $45 million deal, still hasn’t shown any interest in extending his contract.
In his recent interview with RG, GM Guerin revealed he wasn’t surprised. He mentioned, “I don’t like to put really anything out in the public when it comes to negotiations, but no, there are no real updates.”
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He said, “The talks have been pretty consistent, and I’ve been happy with them.” But while there hasn’t been any progress with the situation, Guerin said that the rumors that Rossi can’t be signed unless Kaprizov is secured are false.
Guerin mentions, “The two are not connected. When we find a solution on one, we will do it.” However, while GM Guerin has been patient in his approach, he must also figure out the situation soon. Many critics have criticized Minnesota for not immediately re-signing Rossi.
At just 23, Rossi has been Minnesota’s second-best forward this past season, just behind Matt Boldy (73 points). Most experts have estimated Rossi’s contract for upwards of $7 million. But with Rossi being an RFA, things have been complicated.
According to reports, Minnesota is capping his contract at $5 million, which Rossi isn’t ready to take. Kaprizov, on the other hand, is currently the highest-paid player on the Wild roster and is about to become a UFA at the end of this upcoming season.
Minnesota is eager to re-sign him before he enters the free market. GM Guerin has even named him the franchise’s number one priority. But Kaprizov has repeatedly mentioned that losing in just the first round of the playoffs is disappointing.
Not to mention, rumors suggest that even if Minnesota is successful in re-signing him, it won’t be for the desired eight-year deal but for a shorter three to five-year contract. While negotiations are ongoing, some believe the situation will be resolved before October.
