The Minnesota Wild plan to resume contract talks next week with star forward Kirill Kaprizov, general manager Bill Guerin said.
Guerin expressed optimism that the two sides can come to a deal. Kaprizov, the reigning Calder Memorial Trophy recipient as the NHL’s top rookie, can become a restricted free agent on July 28.
“I’m confident in (Kaprizov) and his wanting to be here and his willingness to play in Minnesota,” Guerin said Saturday, per NHL.com.
Kaprizov, 24, reportedly is looking for a shorter deal, while the Wild would like to lock in their budding star to a long-term contract.
“You’ve got to understand the other side and where they’re coming from,” Guerin said. “They’re trying to accomplish something and so are we. I think when there’s maybe a bit of a disagreement, it just takes a little bit more time to come to a compromise.
“It’s not just them not wanting to take what we’re offering, it’s us, too, and we have to see it that way. It takes two sides to make a deal, and it just could take a little bit longer.”
Kaprizov led all rookies in goals (27), points (51) and power-play goals (eight) in 55 games this past season. His totals in goals, assists (24) and points served as records by a rookie in franchise history.
Kaprizov was selected by the Wild in the fifth round of the 2015 NHL Draft before spending five more seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League.
–Field Level Media