A new report highlights just how ugly Kirill Kaprizov's situation is in Minnesota: What it means for Chicago
Photo credit: NHL.com
Kirill Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild are in a free fall, as the forward refused to ink a $128 million deal, leaving Bill Guerin quite embarrassed.
The Minnesota Wild are one of the Chicago Blackhawks' Central Division rivals, and it seems as if they may be on the verge on losing a start.
The season is going to start in just a few weeks time, and the team hasn't been able to sign their superstar forward, Kirill Kaprizov.
According to a report from The Athletic, he rejected a $128 million deal, which left the Wild and General Manager Bill Guerin feeling "embarrassed," as he couldn't seal the deal with the former 100-point player.
The deal would've paid him $16 million AAV (average annual value), placing him above a superstar like Auston Matthews or Connor McDavid in terms of value.
If I were Bill Guerin, I'd be embarrassed too.
Kirill Kaprizov's fallout with the Minnesota Wild
Where does this leave the Blackhawks?
If the relationship continues to devolve in Minnesota, they could find themselves having to trade Kaprizov, who has blossomed into one of the best forwards in the NHL.
An earlier report by The Athletic's Mark Lazerus revealed that Kaprizov would be open to joining the Blackhawks.
"Let me clarify, please: I reported back in June that the Blackhawks see Kaprizov as a potential big add in two years, this generation's Marian Hossa, so to speak. Is Kaprizov intrigued by the possibility? Sure."
- Mark Lazerus
- Mark Lazerus
However, there remain complications, as the last two years (2024-25 and 2025-26) contain a no-movement clause.
This makes a deal much harder to get done.
So if General Manager Kyle Davidson could work his magic, Kaprizov would have to be sold on the rebuild.
The Blackhawks will likely have to pay a premium for the superstar forward who could elevate the play of Connor Bedard.
Kaprizov's last contract paid him $9 million AAV over the last five years, and he is due a raise.
The Blackhawks could easily match the Wild's offer, but they'll have to win a bidding war if he makes it to free agency.
Previously on Hawks Insider
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 19 | 337 ANSWERS A new report highlights just how ugly Kirill Kaprizov's situation is in Minnesota: What it means for Chicago Do you think the Minnesota Wild will trade forward Kirill Kaprizov or let him walk? | ||
| Trade | 266 | 78.9 % |
| Walk | 71 | 21.1 % |
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