Willd GM Bill Guerin shares good news on Kaprizov negotiations.

The Minnesota Wild had a great deal to be excited about this season with the emergence of rookie superstar Kirill Kaprizov. In spite of the fact that the Wild had something of a mediocre season, Kaprizov was dynamite on the ice and proved to be one of the most exciting players to watch across the entire league.

It is for that reason that following the conclusion of the 2020 - 2021 campaign many were hoping to hear the Wild announce a long term extension with the 24 year old Russian forward, but instead there has been nothing but causes for concern when it comes to Kaprizov's future with the Wild. Rumors have indicated that Kaprizov is not entirely happy with his situation in Minnesota and there were even some reports that the winger was contemplating a return to Russia and the Kontinental Hockey League. Kaprizov had previously spent the last 3 seasons with CSKA Moscow, the KHL's premier franchise, and that was the team the rumors were linking him to.

Thankfully for fans of both Kaprizov and the Wild there is now some sign of hope according to Wild general manager Bill Guerin himself. On Saturday Guerin informed National Hockey League insider Mike Russo of the fact that Kaprizov's agent had reached out to the Wild, presumably to kick start negotiations on a new contract with the organization. Guerin also issued a comment in response to the rumors that Kaprizov's relationship with the Wild had deteriorated.

"It has not gone cold, contrary to what some people have reported," said the Wild's GM.

The fact that the two sides are talking is nothing short of terrific news for the Wild, especially when you consider the fact that they are set to lose a player to Seattle in the expansion draft. Kaprizov was the NHL's Calder Trophy winner as the league's rookie of the year this season and his 27 goals and 24 assists for 51 points over his first 55 games in the NHL are why. That kind of production would be very difficult for the Wild to replace, especially in a 24 year old rookie, and I suspect that they will do everything within their power to get Kaprizov signed this summer.