West Notes: Kaprizov, Stars, Grizzlies

On yesterday’s rendition of the Insider Notebook from Bleacher Report, Frank Seravalli provided an update on the ongoing extension negotiations between the Minnesota Wild and star forward Kirill Kaprizov. Seravalli indicated that he believes the Wild will sign Kaprizov to an eight-year, $120MM contract ($15MM AAV) when everything is said and done.

Kaprizov would narrowly beat out Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers as the sport’s highest-paid players. Still, that’s before Draisaitl’s teammate, Connor McDavid, signs his next contract. Despite carrying the highest AAV in NHL history, the rumored deal for Kaprizov would fall $4MM short of Alex Ovechkin’s 13-year, $124MM contract signed with the Washington Capitals in 2008, which remains the largest contract in NHL history.

The Novokuznetsk, Russia native has all the leverage in his negotiation with Minnesota, scoring 185 goals and 386 points in 319 games since starting his career during the 2020-21 campaign. There’s an open and credible debate whether Kaprizov is worth more than Draisaitl. Still, the Wild’s only pathway to contention is through their star winger.

Other notes from the Western Conference:

• According to a team announcement, the Dallas Stars have elected Joe Nieuwendyk and Ralph Strangis to their organizational Hall of Fame. Nieuwendyk spent seven years as a Star, scoring 178 goals and 340 points in 442 games, helping the team to their first and only Stanley Cup championship in 1999. Meanwhile, Strangis began his broadcasting career with the Minnesota North Stars and remained with the team when they relocated to Dallas. He retired after the 2014-15 NHL season.
• As covered by Belle Fraser of The Salt Lake Tribune, the city of West Valley has approved the sale of the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies. Since the town had a minority stake in the team, approval from the City Council was required for the sale. The team is expected to be sold to Pro Hockey Partners LLC and moved to Trenton, NJ, after the 2025-26 ECHL season.