Report: Kaprizov “Intrigued” With Joining Rival Central Division Team

Kirill Kaprizov still has two years remaining on his five-year deal with the Minnesota Wild at a $9 million cap hit. But is he already looking at greener pastures for when his contract is up?

It was reported on “The Athletic Hockey Show" podcast by Mark Lazerus of The Athletic that the Chicago Blackhawks would be mighty interested in Kaprizov if he hits UFA status in two years, seeing him as a potential "big add". And that the Russian winger himself said he'd be "intrigued" by the possibility of going to play with Connor Bedard & Co.

Let me clarify, please: I reported back in June that the Blackhawks see Kaprizov as a potential big add in two years, this generation's Marian Hossa, so to speak. Is Kaprizov intrigued by the possibility? Sure. Does he "want" it now? No. I misspoke extemporaneously on the pod. https://t.co/Khc8t16tpC
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) September 25, 2024

But Lazerus was forced to clarify his report recently, and back off on the suggestion, to indicate that Kaprizov "is not asking out" of Minnesota.

“Kaprizov has two years left on his contract,” said Lazerus in an additional tweet. “This decision is forever away. Nothing is imminent, nothing is set in stone, Kaprizov is not asking out, nothing like that. Stand down. I didn’t mean to imply otherwise."

He clarified that "it's an intriguing possibility Chicago wants to pursue. It's not hard news.

"In short: The Blackhawks have their eye on Kaprizov in two years, not the other way around."

And of course, you certainly couldn't blame the Hawks—or any other team in hockey, for that matter—as the former Rookie of the Year has established himself as one of the great young talents in the game with three consecutive 40+ goal seasons for the Wild and 330 points in 278 career games.

But if he does make it to unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2026, watch out. The sky's the limit, and the Blackhawks would certainly have some competition for him.