The NHL has a new highest-paid player.
The Minnesota Wild signed forward Kirill Kaprizov, 28, to an eight-year extension averaging $17 million a year on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
That moves him past Edmonton Oilers’ center Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million cap hit. The $136 million total also tops the previous record of $124 million held by Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin. The extension kicks in next season.
Kaprizov, who is entering the final year of a five-year deal averaging $9 million, previously turned down an eight-year, $128 million offer.
His average of 1.21 points per game ranks first in franchise history.
The Russian winger, nicknamed ‘Kirill the Thrill,’ was rookie of the year after scoring 51 points in 56 games during the COVID-shortened 2021 season. He scored 108 points, a franchise record, the following season and has had three 40-goal seasons.
Last season, he missed half a season with injury but still finished third on the team with 56 points in 41 games.
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