NHL teams clearly have no issues opening up their checkbooks this year. After the Minnesota Wild handed Kirill Kaprizov the richest contract in NHL History with an eight-year, $136 million deal ($17M AAV), most expected this deal to be the barometer for future mega-million extensions.
But then Connor McDavid went and signed a two-year, $25M deal to stay with the Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel followed suit, leaving a little money on the table with his eight-year, $108 million extension that’s still good enough for the richest in franchise history.
However, Wild GM Bill Guerin doesn’t have too many regrets with shelling out a mammoth payday to keep his star player in town.
What Does Wild GM Guerin Think About Jack Eichel’s Contract Extension?
More than a few eyebrows were raised when Kaprizov became the highest-paid player in NHL history with a deal that pays him an annual salary of $17 million.
Eichel’s extension, meanwhile, will kick in in 2026 and pay out $13.5M a year. It keeps him in Vegas through 2033-34, locking up an exciting core that includes former Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner.
Naturally, comparisons were made (and intensely debated) on whether the $136M deal for Kaprizov was really worth it. But Guerin has no such concerns.
Speaking to The Athletic on the noise around those deals, Guerin said, “Everybody’s got a price to where they want to play in their market, and Kirill is worth that to us. He’s that important to us.”
The Minnesota GM added that it’s great that Eichel made the sacrifice and took a kinda-sorta cut-price deal with Vegas, but stressed the importance of having Kaprizov commit to the franchise for eight more years.
“If we let him go or even flirt with it, who knows? The worst-case scenario is definitely that he leaves. It’s worse than paying him $17 million,” Guerin added.
For now, the Wild are in a good place. The face of the franchise is locked in long-term, and they will have some cap space to play with to make a serious push for the Stanley Cup over the next few years.
Why Oilers Vs. Golden Knights Is A Rivalry That Will Pay Off
For Vegas, having two of the most electric forwards in the NHL to build the team around means the Oilers will have to watch their backs in the West.
The Oilers Vs. Golden Knights rivalry will certainly be one to keep an eye on. Vegas’s front office has a reputation for making calculated moves and taking full advantage of the salary cap. The Oilers, meanwhile, have McDavid on a bargain-basement deal and assets to play with as they look to make the most out of the contention window while McDavid still has faith in the franchise.
When all is said and done, the next few years of the NHL will likely prove to be one of the most hotly contested years in recent history.