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MN Wild Won’t Entertain Kaprizov Trade Offers
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- MN Wild Won’t Entertain Kaprizov Trade Offers
Sergei Belski-Imagn Images Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
It has been a weird couple of days for the Minnesota Wild. They have spent all summer not getting a Kirill Kaprizov extension done . Bill Geurin has addressed holes on the roster, but few have resulted in moves of significance .
The most needle-moving came this week in the form of the Russian superstar rejecting Minnesota's massive offer . Somehow that reaching the public sphere was a shock to the general manager .
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Now, still trying to find common ground, the Wild don't appear intent on listening to trade offers for Kaprizov either.
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Kirill Kaprizov not going anywhere, for now
If the Minnesota Wild can get a deal done with Kirill Kaprizov, it would make sense for them to move him rather than lose him for nothing. A new report from Marco D'Amico says they are not currently looking into that option.
The uncertainty around negotiations has fueled speculation about Kaprizov's future. On his 32 Thoughts Podcast, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman hinted that outside forces may be stirring the pot.
"There's somebody out there who is setting up smoke signals, saying we can do better," Friedman said.
Those whispers gained traction when Russian journalist Alexei Shevchenko suggested that Minnesota had asked Kaprizov to provide a list of teams he would accept a trade to. That report quickly circulated online, raising alarms about whether the Wild were preparing for life without their franchise player.
Word from those close to the organization, however, strongly denied the rumor.
It doesn't make send for the Wild to entertain the idea of moving Kaprizov if they believe a deal can be struck. Unfortunately for them, Kaprizov holds all the cards.
Craig Leipold has already stated he intends to make Kaprizov the highest-paid player and that money won't be an issue. If that's true, and it probably should be, then there's not much of a negotiation to take place.
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Kaprizov's earnings are tapped out at 20 percent of the salary cap. That is expected to rise substantially in the coming years though, so the desire for a long-term deal drops significantly.
Related: MN Wild GM Blindsided by Kaprizov Leak
A source tells D'Amico , "He's going to wait until McDavid signs his deal and then make his decision." If that's the case, and it's a logical stance, we may not have resolutions any time soon. Connor McDavid is the best player in the sport, and he'll command a deal that he can essential write out for himself.
What the Minnesota Wild, and ultimately Kirill Kaprizov agree to, will have ripple effects that impact the NHL both now and into the future. Getting something done is imperative for the franchise, but it won't be easy, or quick.
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