Kirill Kaprizov to the Blackhawks? Several NHL reporters reveal he wants to go to Chicago
The Chicago Blackhawks are primed to make a leap forward in 2024-2025, as they ice a better team. The forward core has improved markedly, and it seems that Kyle Davidson has succeeded in creating a competitive roster.
With a healthy Taylor Hall and Teuvo Teraveinen, Blackhawks fans should be optimistic for this season.
However, he should eye a divisional rival's forward in 2026, to sign and make the Blackhawks an offensive machine.
Kirill Kaprizov has been a sensation in the league since he arrived in 2020, and has two years remaining on his contract with the Minnesota Wild. It will expire in 2026 and will be an eligible free agent.
There's nothing to doubt that GM Bill Guerin would love to extend Kirill Kaprizov beyond 2026, but the Blackhawks are a team in the hunt for another skilled winger, like Kaprizov.
NHL reporter Bill Smith revealed that at the NHL draft, reporters and media revealed Kaprizov stated he would be willing to join the Chicago Blackhawks
This was confirmed by Mark Lazerus of The Athletic who covers the Blackhawks, that Kaprizov is interested in the Blackhawks.
He would later clarify his comments saying he had spoken out of turn on a podcast, as on X he mentioned it's not something he'd want to pursue currently.
"Let me clarify, please: I reported back in June that the Blackhawks see Kaprizov as a potential big add in two years, this generation's Marian Hossa, so to speak. Is Kaprizov intrigued by the possibility? Sure. Does he "want" it now? No. I misspoke extemporaneously on the pod." Lazerus said.
He went on to add, "Kaprizov has two years left on his contract. This decision is forever away. Nothing is imminent, nothing is set in stone, Kaprizov is not asking out, nothing like that. Stand down. I didn't intend to imply otherwise.
In short: The Blackhawks have their eye on Kaprizov in two years, not the other way around."
While this is a highly entertaining scenario, the Blackhawks have to keep that long-term move in mind if they're to sign Kaprizov. As he will require a significant payday, as one of the best wingers in the NHL, and legitimately the Wild's best player until recently.
If the NHL salary cap increases as expected the next two years, it could cost the Wild at least $15 million a season to retain Kirill Kaprizov, 27, who has two seasons remaining on his five-year, $45 million contract.
Charley «Shooter» Walters - Pioneer Press
The Blackhawks in two years, could be the winning squad in which Kaprizov ends up a linemate with Bedard.
But we can't count our eggs before the hatch, as the Blackhawks
Source: Minnesota Sports Fan
Report: Kirill Kaprizov Contract Extension Will Cost Wild a Record-Breaking Amount of Cash
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