What Is Kirill Kaprizov's Future in Minnesota?

Kirill Kaprizov has made quite an impressionful start with the Minnesota Wild this season, tallying 21 points in 11 games (four three-point games included) while notching seven multi-game streaks and 18 primary points! Talk about being an MVP. Minnesota Wild and Kirill Kaprizov | NHL Rumors(r) (NHLRumors.com) As NHLRumors.com has reported, Minnesota will pay Kirill Kaprizov whatever he requests in order to retain him on its team; but what will they do if Kirill hits free agency and decides not to sign another deal with Minnesota? Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period appeared on TSN Radio in Montreal to discuss Kirill Kaprizov, and whether his possible exit from Minnesota and possible signing with Montreal might make sense. NHLRumors.com Transcriptions Host: “Now, tomorrow (Tuesday), Dave will watch Calgary take on Minnesota at Bell Centre before Montreal heads back out onto the road en route to Minnesota on Thursday – what do you anticipate the future holds for Kirill Kaprizov?” NHL Injuries: Bruins, Avs, Kings, Islanders, Sharks Blues Maple Leafs Capitals Dave Pagnotta described this scene perfectly for Host Mike McClean who wanted him to share her dream scenario of having several dozen Brinks trucks arrive at his place and secure the space around the player who would become unrestricted free agent soon thereafter. “Brinks trucks arrived as promised at his residence”, Pagnotta replied yes before being interrupted with another question from Mike: he replied yes before his host asked him whether this could take place or he agreed. Host Mike McClean asked “Host can I tell my dream scenario?” Dave Pagnotta said yes before adding: he expects some sort of deal before his next unrestricted free agent contract.” Host: Pagnotta: “Over the summers.” Host: “Minnesota made their intentions known, saying we have more money available for him compared to any other team; which they do due to his extended contract term. However, what about I paint you a fantasy scenario instead?” Demidov has arrived, another Russian player that joins no other Russians on Montreal, yet we all saw what Gordon was capable of accomplishing in New York with Panarin being brought on board; could Kaprizov serve as Gordon’s New York Panarin on Montreal?” Pagnotta replied by noting “This could prove difficult as each situation differs and requires different solutions”. Craig Leopold, owner of the Wild, will probably throw more at them than they can handle; I don’t anticipate him having such an effect myself: his current average scoring output stands at two points per game – likely decreasing, making 170 unlikely or impossible altogether! I just don’t know. Personally I would go for the under. He certainly appears on track to exceed 100, 110 and 120 points as his play suggests it will reach this plateau soon – at age 27 he’s right in that prime window of performance! NHL Rumors: Minnesota Wild, and Montreal Canadiens I believe if he hits free agency next summer without signing an extension then other teams would target him, including Montreal who might try and acquire him later down the line. I see him as being of interest to them both for different reasons though so let’s be real here… if Montreal were going after that player they certainly wouldn’t stop looking! I don’t believe he will reach his destination. Like this past summer or this coming off-season, two players named Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner who, absent an in-season extension or something in June, could hit the open market are being eyed as priority targets by numerous teams. Kaprizov could follow suit and play to his full potential; should this occur, he could potentially earn more annually than both players combined.” Is this likely? No – but would it surprise you if Kiril Kaprizov were being compensated as one of the league’s premier stars? Absolutely not.