Kaprizov Rejects the Biggest Contract in NHL History, Raising Big Questions for Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
In a stunning bit of news, Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov has reportedly rejected the largest contract in NHL history as focus shifts for Toronto next season.
There were reports earlier this summer that the Minnesota Wild were prepared to offer a massive deal to their star forward Kirill Kaprizov, who has come in and become one of the most entertaining and dynamic forwards in the league.
They were apart on money, and there was news that Minnesota was willing to offer $16-million a season; a staggering amount that makes him unquestionably the highest-paid player in NHL history.
How Kaprizov's Rejection Could Shape Auston Matthews' Next Contract
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, the Wild have presented him that offer and he's flat out rejected it. The offer was for eight-years, $128-million which would be that coveted $16-million AAV.
Kaprizov, 28, had 56 points in only 41 games last season for the Wild, but is only one season removed from a 96-point campaign, and already has a 108-point season under his belt.
For a team like the Maple Leafs, it spells disaster for someone like Auston Matthews, who while isn't ready for a new deal just yet, is going to be in 2030 and will command a hefty salary increase himself.
If he is able to get back to his offensive ways, with a rising cap and perhaps some playoff success; his $13.25-million per year deal is going to jump dramatically and could rival at least the $16-million offered to Kaprizov.
Matthews doesn't need to prove that he deserves more than he currently earns, but if he is able to lead the team into a new era without Mitch Marner and end up finding more success going forward; he'll be super expensive.
Why the Maple Leafs Must Prepare Now for Future Mega-Deals
So it's going to be imperative for Brad Treliving to figure out what he wants to do going forward. If the team wants to make a big splash next summer in free agency, that is going to eat into that cap by the time Matthews comes around.
If the team is already paying someone like let's say...Connor McDavid a salary of $15-16M per year, can they afford to give Matthews the same and potentially have a quarter of their cap split between two players?
They have their defense and goaltending locked up (minus Anthony Stolarz) and for the most part they have all their key forwards long-term; so they can afford to make some time of splash but need to be wary.
Also, knowing that Kaprizov rejected $16-million, what is the price going to be for any of the potential free agents? Nikita Kucherov could reach $17-18M, Cale Makar might break $20-million depending on he length; it's going to be ludicrous.
So keeping an eye on how the Wild handle Kaprizov is going to be key for the Maple Leafs. Maybe not now, but most definitely in a few years.
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