Kirill Kaprizov is the Wild's franchise leader in points per game average (1.21). Jeff Bottari/NHLI/Getty Images AP —

The Minnesota Wild signed star left wing Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year, $136 million extension on Tuesday, giving him the richest contract in NHL history.

Kaprizov will count $17 million against the salary cap beginning next season. It’s the highest annual average salary of any player since the league ’s cap era began in 2005, surpassing Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl at $112 million over eight years ($14 million annual average). Alex Ovechkin ’s 13-year, $124 million contract signed with Washington in 2008 was previously the highest total value.

Kaprizov’s contract sets a new bar at one of the most intriguing times in hockey. The best player in the world,

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