In a stubborn seven-match series, Minnesota lost to Vegas and finished the Stanley Cup in the first round. Whims scored 3 (1 + 2) points in elimination matches and 51 (27 + 24) points in 55 regular season games.
The departure marked the end of the season for Minnesota, and with it the expiration of the newcomer's contract for Kaprizov.
Photo: © Ethan Miller / Staff / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru
“Minnesota” did not postpone the main signing of the season and immediately offered the Russian an eight-year contract with “a salary of over $ 8 million”. According to the insider Makla Russo, the fact that Kaprizov did not immediately agree, suggests that something did not suit him – either the salary, or the term.
When asked if he could imagine himself in Minnesota for a long time, Kaprizov answered evasively: “I don’t like to think.” General Manager “Wild” Bill Guerin, in turn, said that the contract with the Russian – among the main priorities of the offseason.
Bill Guerin / Photo: © NHL Images / Contributor / National Hockey League / Gettyimages.ru
Whims rests in Siberia and shares photos from fishing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQDy2AQM8kS/
Negotiations stalled. An insider said that the parties could not agree on the terms of the agreement: “Wild” expects 7-8 years, and Kaprizov's side hopes for a bridge contract, which usually does not exceed 3 years. At the same time, for the first time, CSKA was mentioned as a possible future place, ready to sign its former striker.
Caprice won the Calder Trophy, the NHL Rookie of the Season. He became the seventh Russian in the history of the league to receive this trophy.
https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1410283284580515840?s=20
Against the background of uncertainty with the participation of the NHL in the Olympics, the signing of Kaprizov takes on a national scale: if the hockey players of the North American League do not go to China, his return to Russia is beneficial not only for CSKA, but also for the national team.
Kaprizov is not interested in either the eight- or seven-year offer from Minnesota. He officially turned down contracts for the amount of 8-8.5 and 9 million dollars.
Incredible insider: Whims agreed on a one-year contract with CSKA. The amount of the transaction, according to the journalist, is “eight-digit”. The contract will enter into force on September 1, unless the hockey player has reached an agreement with Wild by then.
Igor Esmantovich / Photo: © KHL / Vladimir Bezzubov
Minnesota is thinking about exchanging Caprice for American striker Jack Eikel from Buffalo.
Jack Eikel / Photo: © Jared Silber / Contributor / National Hockey League / Gettyimages.ru
“Wild” are ready to compromise and offer the Russian a shorter-term contract – for 4, 5 or 6 years. It was the term of the contract that was the main stumbling block in the negotiations of the parties.
Negotiations have intensified, a positive trend has emerged. At the same time, the president of CSKA spoke: “The issue of Kaprizov's return is not on the agenda.”
General manager Guerin expressed sadness that the contract with Kaprizov was never signed, although the club made an “honest offer” to the hockey player. “I'm disappointed, but training camp kicks off next week and we will focus on the players who will be there.” Kaprizov is not among the participants in the camp.
Whims signed a five-year deal with Minnesota with a salary of $ 9 million a year.
https://twitter.com/mnwild/status/1440507407075995656?s=20
- The main series of the NHL offseason has ended. Kirill Kaprizov signed a 5-year contract with Minnesota
- Whims – about the new contract: “Now I will try to focus on the game and victories”