Wild's Kirill Kaprizov Reportedly Could Land Historic $128M Contract, Set NHL Record

Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov could be on his way to a massive pay day soon.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on the 32 Thoughts podcast (h/t NHL Trade Rumors' Dave Litman) that Kaprizov's next contract could be for eight years with an annual salary of $16 million, which would mean a historic $128 million deal.

Kaprizov, 28, is entering the final year of a five-year, $45 million deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if a new contract isn't reached before then.

Wild owner Craig Leipold expressed optimism about a new contract for Kaprizov this week, joking that he has Kaprizov's "contract in my pocket."

"I just feel like we're not that far off," Leipold said, per The Athletic's Joe Smith. "I kind of think we're there. I like to believe when Kirill comes over and gets a sense again for the excitement and the love of the city, I think we'll be moving forward in a good direction."

Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl currently holds the richest deal in the NHL at $112 million over eight years ($14 million per year), while the 13-year, $124 million deal Alex Ovechkin signed in 2008 still holds the record for total value.

Leipold is ready to give Kaprizov a deal that surpasses both numbers.

"This will be a huge deal — likely the biggest in the NHL ever," Leipold said. "There's no better human being or better hockey player or better person than Kirill. I think it will be a good conversation that we'll have with him. I'm very anxious and looking forward to that conversation. I think we'll move quickly after that."

Kaprizov, who is gearing up for his sixth season in the NHL, is coming off a year in which he logged 25 goals and 31 assists, playing just 41 games because of a lower-body injury that required surgery.