Kirill Kaprizov's recent contract extension with the Minnesota Wild has sent shockwaves throughout the NHL, not only for its staggering size but also for the way it recalibrates the market for elite players. The eight-year, $136 million deal, which carries an average annual value (AAV) of $17 million, surpasses Leon Draisaitl's previous high of $14 million per season. This has led to considerable discussion about the value of existing contracts, particularly Draisaitl's, and what it means for future negotiations with superstars like Connor McDavid.
Kaprizov's extension, which begins in the 2026-27 season and runs through 2033-34, makes him the highest-paid player in the league in terms of total dollars. The Wild's General Manager, Bill Guerin, emphasized the importance of retaining Kaprizov as a franchise player, highlighting his impact on the team's competitiveness and ability to attract other talent. Kaprizov himself expressed his desire to remain in Minnesota for his entire career, suggesting that this could be his last major contract.
The financial implications of Kaprizov's deal are significant. His $17 million AAV will account for approximately 16.35% of the projected $104 million salary cap in 2026-27. This substantial commitment has led some to question whether it's an overpayment, especially when compared to other top players in the league.
One name that consistently surfaces in this discussion is Leon Draisaitl. Draisaitl signed an eight-year, $112 million extension with the Edmonton Oilers in 2024, with an AAV of $14 million. At the time, it was considered a historic contract, making him the highest-paid player in the NHL. However, in light of Kaprizov's deal, Draisaitl's contract now appears to be a bargain for the Oilers.
Draisaitl's resume speaks for itself. The German forward has consistently been one of the league's most dominant offensive forces, achieving six 100-point seasons. Since entering the NHL, Draisaitl ranks third in points, behind Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov. His ability to perform at an elite level, combined with his relative durability, makes his $14 million AAV look increasingly team-friendly.
In contrast, while Kaprizov is undoubtedly a top-tier talent, he has only one 100-point season to his name. He was also limited to just 41 games in the 2024-25 season due to injury, raising some concerns about his long-term durability. Despite this, the Wild clearly view Kaprizov as an indispensable part of their organization, willing to invest heavily to secure his services for the foreseeable future.
The ripple effects of Kaprizov's contract extend beyond Draisaitl. It has set a new benchmark for upcoming free agents, particularly Connor McDavid, whose contract with the Oilers expires after the 2025-26 season. McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, is now in a prime position to command an even higher AAV than Kaprizov. Some analysts speculate that McDavid could potentially seek a deal in the range of $20 million per year, especially with the salary cap projected to increase significantly in the coming years.
As the NHL's financial landscape continues to evolve, Kaprizov's record-breaking contract serves as a reminder of the escalating value of elite talent. While Draisaitl's $14 million AAV once seemed groundbreaking, it now appears to be a strategic investment for the Oilers, potentially allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of their roster. The comparisons between Kaprizov and Draisaitl highlight the complexities of contract negotiations and the ever-changing dynamics of the NHL market.
