Leon Draisaitl`s reign as the holder of the NHL`s largest-ever contract may soon come to an end. Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season, could potentially surpass Draisaitl`s eight-year, $112-million deal with the Edmonton Oilers.
On a recent episode of “32 Thoughts: The Podcast,” Elliotte Friedman and Kyle Bukauskas discussed the likelihood of a swift contract extension for Kaprizov. Friedman noted that Wild owner Craig Leipold “sounded very confident” on the matter.
Speaking at an event unveiling the new name for the Wild`s home arena, Leipold informed reporters, “I just don’t feel like we’re that far off.” Friedman reiterated this confidence, adding, “Kaprizov is returning to town next week. I never worry about this stuff too much in the summer. I believe this is a pressure point now, this time of year, because you have to decide, like McDavid does, can you handle the aggravation? Do you want the scrutiny? Do you have something else in mind? This is the time now that Kaprizov is coming back that everybody really puts their cards on the table, and everybody gets a true idea of what everyone`s thinking.”
Kaprizov, 28, is entering the final year of his five-year, $45-million contract. Throughout his five-year career, he has scored at least 40 goals three times and twice finished a season with over 95 points. Last season, injuries limited Kaprizov to just 41 games, where he recorded 25 goals and 56 points.
Friedman shared, “There are rumours out there the Wild will go (eight years at $16 million per season) for Kaprizov. We’ll see. That’s $128 million.” Bukauskas further mentioned that Leipold has long maintained that no team would sign Kaprizov to a longer term or for more money than the Minnesota Wild, and he “seems quite confident.” Bukauskas recalled Leipold jokingly opening his jacket, saying, “I’ve got the contract right in my pocket,” to demonstrate his assurance.
No Progress Between McTavish and Ducks
While optimism surrounds Kaprizov`s potential extension, discussions between Mason McTavish and the Anaheim Ducks appear more unresolved. The restricted free agent remains unsigned with the 2025-26 pre-season rapidly approaching and the regular season just over a month away. The 22-year-old is coming off his three-year, entry-level contract worth $2.68 million.
Friedman pointed out that McTavish`s situation is “a little bit different” from other unsigned restricted free agents because General Manager Pat Verbeek and the Ducks have historically “shown a willingness to keep guys out until they get what they are comfortable with.” Friedman elaborated, “So I always look at that and say, if they don’t find a deal they like, could they keep him out longer and be comfortable with that? And the history with the Ducks is, yes, they would.”
Someone recently told Friedman that if one considers the Ducks` situation, they “still have a lot of cap room, but over the next few years, look at some of the contracts that could be coming up… If all these guys hit, and some of the forwards look really good, all of a sudden, the Ducks are going to have a lot of money committed to some really good young players.”