Kaprizov: 'We have a lot of time' to negotiate extension

Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov feels he doesn't have to rush to sign a contract extension.

"You guys know I like Minny. Everyone knows this." Kaprizov said Thursday at the Wild's training camp, according to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul. "We have a lot of time. It's just 2025, and it's one more year I have. I just wanna play hockey and focus, win some games, and go into the playoffs and win there. Just focus on this now."

Kaprizov, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, reportedly rejected an NHL-record offer of $128 million from the Wild. The 28-year-old notched 25 goals and 56 points in 41 games last season and was a Hart Trophy candidate before sustaining a midseason injury. He added nine points in six playoff contests.

"We'll see. We have a lot of time right now, seriously," Kaprizov added. "So many stuff is going on now. I just want to be practicing, go in the season, and just enjoy hockey with the boys. Win some games. Just enjoy this time."

Kaprizov made it clear that his agent, Paul Theofanous, is the one dealing with contract negotiations. Theofanous showed up unannounced to Thursday's practice, according to The Athletic's Michael Russo and Joe Smith.

"My agent talks with Billy and the team," Kaprizov added. "It's not my job right now. I just want to be focused and be ready for the season and keep playing, and that's it."

Wild general manager Bill Guerin reiterated Kaprizov's importance to the team while declining to delve into contract discussions.

"These negotiations are private," Guerin said. "I can't really get into it. Things are fine. The most important thing is that we want to sign Kirill. He's our franchise player. We want to keep him here. He's a big part of our team. We're working towards that, we're doing the best we can. Hopefully, we'll get there sooner than later."