Kaprizov refuses to extend: an ultimatum to the Wild
The NHL training camps are supposed to be a quiet start, a return to the game, grinning skates and rookies trying to make a place for themselves. But this year, two names fly the star even before the season begins: Connor McDavid and Kirill Kaprizov. The first one is securing his throne in Edmonton, the second one has just triggered a monumental arm of iron with Minnesota Wild by refusing an offer of 123 million over eight years. Yes, you read well. The kind of contract that would have blew up all the league counters.
Kaprizov, the Wild and a dangerous game
Refusing to be the best paid player in history, it's daring. But Kaprizov did not come from Oufa to make figuration. His message is clear: money counts, but not as much as the vision of the project. The problem is that the Wild is on the edge of a precipice. The shadow of Marian Gaborik is still hovering over the Xcel Energy Center: a superstar that goes too early, leaving fans with a taste of uncompleted. Minnesota can't afford a remake. Not with Kaprizov, not now.
Trade in sight?
Behind the scenes, the rumors are piling up. Michael Russo of The Athletic has already launched a name: the Carolina Hurricanes. But they're not alone snooping on the Russian jewel. The Wild, for the moment, has not requested the famous list of destinations in Kaprizov. But in this league, when confidence cracks, phone calls begin to flow quickly. And general managers smell blood miles away. Guérin tries to stifle rumors, but evil is done. It's enough that there's a crease to set the powder on fire.
Who dares to jump?
New York, Chicago, Los Angeles. Just those names are shaking fans' keyboards. The Rangers, always looking for an wingman able to revive the Madison Square Garden. The Blackhawks, in the midst of reconstruction, who would dream of associating Bedard with Kaprizov to speed up the process. The Kings have already shown that they are not afraid of anything when it comes to betting big. Anyway, the deal's here. The question is, does Minnesota have the guts to set off the bomb?
The Wild Crossroad
What's happening here is more than just a contract. It is the future of a franchise, its identity, its credibility. If the Wild keeps Kaprizov, you have to give him a solid project, an environment where he can aim for the Stanley Cup. If they let him go, they have to get back a war treasure, not a handful of bank draft choices. Fans, on the other hand, oscillate between panic and impatience. One thing is certain: this saga has not finished shaking the NHL, and it may well redraw the strength map this season.
Leave a comment