Kirill Kaprizov Reportedly Turns Down $128 Million in Minnesota: May Become Penguins' Top Acquisition Target
Photo credit: Yahoo Sports
Minnesota Wild star forward Kirill Kaprizov reportedly turned down a massive offer that would have made him the highest paid NHL player - what does it mean for the Penguins?
Fans of the Minnesota Wild are likely in panic mode after star forward Kirill Kaprizov, who is arguably the best player in team history, reportedly turned down a contract extension worth $128 million.
The deal would have made him the highest paid player in NHL history had he agreed to it. Now, the speculation will start as to where he could potentially be playing after this season ends.
It may seem like a longshot, but the Pittsburgh Penguins could be considered a team that Kaprizov would entertain joining.
By all indications, they're going to lose Evgeni Malkin after this year in what is likely his final season in the NHL, and it would also represent a major opportunity to convince Sidney Crosby to continue playing in Pittsburgh if they were to make a move toward signing Kaprizov.
The Penguins are rumored to have over $50 million in salary cap space next summer, and the chance to acquire a player of Kaprizov's talent and status in the NHL would be foolish to pass up.
Kaprizov would also immediately have the torch of Russian star Evgeni Malkin passed to him, and next to Crosby, would become the new face of the franchise.
He had 56 points (25G, 31A) in 41 games.
Kirill Kaprizov Turns Down Historic Contract, Likely Wants Shorter Term Deal
This could also be a ploy on Kaprizov's part to get a shorter-term contract that would also enable him to cash in sooner on his subsequent contract.
This appears to be the strategy of Connor McDavid, who is rumoured not to want a long-term extension with the Oilers.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
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