The numbers are staggering: Eight years, $136 million, a $17 million average annual value.

The Minnesota Wild signed star forward Kirill Kaprizov on Tuesday, giving him richest contract in NHL history, a deal that begins with the 2026-27 season. It was a major statement from the Wild, about where they see their team going, the value the 28-year-old brings and his place in the hockey landscape.

Asked if it was the most important deal in Wild history, general manager Bill Guerin said, "Yes, very much so."

"Listen," he added, "all of our players are important. All the contracts are important. Hockey is very much a team sport. We have 20 guys out there battling every night. You can't play the whole game, so they need each other and they're all important.

"This one is, it's big because Ki

See Full Page