A delayed flight often leads to frustration, but for the Minnesota Wild, it resulted in a monumental NHL deal. In 2014, while scouting talents in Russia, a flight delay ultimately introduced them to Kirill Kaprizov, who has now signed the largest contract in the league’s history.
Flight Delay Leads to Historic Draft Decision
Back in 2014, scouts from the Minnesota Wild were in Russia evaluating potential draft candidates. Due to residual smog from the California wildfires, their return flight to the U.S. was delayed. During this unexpected wait, they learned about Kirill Kaprizov, a promising winger from Metallurg Novokuznetsk.
The following year, Kaprizov was selected by the Wild in the fifth round as the 135th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Fast forward to the present, and he has signed the largest contract in NHL history.
Kaprizov’s Landmark Contract
Kапrizov and the Wild have come to terms on an eight-year deal valued at $136 million, surpassing the previous record held by Alexander Ovechkin’s $124 million contract with the Washington Capitals in 2008. This deal represents not only the highest overall salary but also the largest average annual value at $17 million, eclipsing Leon Draisaitl’s $14 million average with the Edmonton Oilers.
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Kaprizov was just 18 years old when the Wild drafted him but did not enter the NHL until the COVID-19-shortened 2020-21 season. He made an immediate impact, setting franchise records with 27 goals and 51 points, earning him the Calder Memorial Trophy for the league’s best rookie.
Since then, his list of achievements has continued to grow. Kaprizov holds franchise records for single-season points (108) and goals (47), and he has been selected to three All-Star games. He is also the only player in Wild history to score at least 40 goals in multiple seasons.
The financial stakes in the NHL are immense, reflecting the demand for top talent. For comparison, the previous richest contracts awarded by the Wild occurred in 2012, when Zach Parise and Ryan Suter signed for $98 million—but that deal spanned 13 years, resulting in a significantly lower average annual value compared to Kaprizov’s recent contract.
With this new deal, Kaprizov will remain with the Wild until the conclusion of the 2033-34 season. The franchise is banking on his talent to improve their fortunes, particularly as they seek to break a decade-long drought without winning a playoff series.
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