Kaprizov’s Injury Update Raises Concerns for Minnesota Wild

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Kirill Kaprizov, leading scorer for the Minnesota Wild, is expected to be sidelined longer than initially anticipated due to a lower-body injury, general manager Bill Guerin announced Friday. The forward had surgery on January 28 and was initially projected to miss at least four weeks.

“I think he’s going to be out longer than we originally expected, how much, I cannot answer,” Guerin said on KFAN radio. “He’s just recovering right now, and we’ll see how it turns out.”

Guerin’s comments indicate that the team is unsure when Kaprizov will return to action. The 27-year-old has not played since January 26, during a 4-2 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. In his current campaign, he leads the Wild with 52 points, including 23 goals and 29 assists, accumulated over 37 games.

The Wild are set to face the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET. Currently, Minnesota holds a record of 33 wins, 19 losses, and 4 overtime losses.

After surgery, Kaprizov’s return was hoped for before the end of the regular season. “He was having a Hart Trophy season, and I’d be frustrated too,” Guerin noted. “We’re just trying to keep him busy and helping him out as much as we can.”

Selected by the Wild in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, Kaprizov has tallied 382 points (183 goals, 199 assists) in 315 regular-season games and contributed 12 points (10 goals, 2 assists) in 19 playoff games.

Guerin highlighted the potential impact of Kaprizov’s extended absence on the team’s salary cap situation. “What that does with our (salary) cap situation? I don’t know because when he’s healthy, we’ll put him back in. If he’s not, then we won’t,” he said. The Wild must navigate these complexities as they aim to bolster their roster, exemplifying the team’s commitment to winning.

As the Wild prepare for the future, an increase in the NHL salary cap is anticipated in the coming years, including a rise to $95.5 million for the 2025-26 season. This financial flexibility may prove beneficial in negotiations for Kaprizov’s next contract, which is projected to exceed his current $9 million annual value.

Potential contract offers for Kaprizov range from $12 million to $15 million annually, depending on successful negotiations. Wild officials, including Guerin and owner Craig Leipold, have indicated they are determined to sign their star player, viewing him as vital to their long-term success.

“Nobody will offer more money than us, or longer,” Leipold emphasized about their commitment to Kaprizov, stressing the importance of building a competitive team around him.

In addition to Kaprizov’s contract, the Wild face decisions regarding other players on their roster, such as Marco Rossi, who will be seeking a new contract after this season ends. Guerin faces the challenge of balancing roster extensions while considering potential trades to enhance the team’s competitiveness.

The Wild are aiming for a deep postseason run this year, and their chances depend on a large part of Kaprizov’s health and ability to return. Observers believe that the team is just a few pieces away from becoming a true contender for the Stanley Cup.

Fans in Minnesota are hopeful that these developments, coupled with the anticipated salary cap increase, will allow the Wild to assemble a formidable roster that can fulfill the long-awaited promise of sustained success.