Kirill Olegovich Kaprizov has emerged as one of the most electrifying talents in the NHL in recent seasons. From his rookie exploits to record-breaking contracts, injuries, and off-ice life, fans and analysts alike closely watch every move. In this comprehensive profile, we dig into his contract history, personal relationship, injury saga, performance statistics, draft origins, salary details, and the landmark deals that define his career.
Early Life and Path to the NHL
Kirill Kaprizov was born on April 26, 1997, in Novokuznetsk, Russia. He developed as a young hockey player in the Russian junior and professional systems, eventually playing in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) for teams like Metallurg Novokuznetsk, Salavat Yulaev Ufa, and CSKA Moscow.
Kaprizov’s success in Russia earned the attention of NHL scouts. In the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he was selected in the 5th round, 135th overall, by the Minnesota Wild.
While many draft picks, especially in later rounds, take time to develop (or never fully make the transition), Kaprizov’s rise would be anything but typical.
NHL Debut, Rookie Seasons & Breakout
Entry-Level Contract & Debut
Kaprizov officially signed an entry-level contract with Minnesota in July 2020. His NHL debut came on January 14, 2021, in a game against the Los Angeles Kings. In that debut, he notched three points including the game-winning overtime goal — becoming the first player in NHL history to record three points and an overtime goal in his debut.
He capped off his rookie campaign by winning the Calder Memorial Trophy (rookie of the year). Kaprizov posted 27 goals and 24 assists (51 points) despite a shortened season due to COVID-19. He received 99 out of 100 first-place votes, demonstrating the league’s confidence in his immediate impact.
Building Momentum & Franchise Records
In the 2021–22 season, Kaprizov signed a 5-year, $45 million contract with Minnesota. Under this deal, he became the highest-paid sophomore in NHL history at the time.
That season, he exploded offensively: 47 goals, 61 assists, 108 points. He broke franchise records previously held by Marian Gáborík for goals, assists, and points in a season.
Over the next couple of seasons, Kaprizov continued to be an offensive force, delivering multiple 40-goal seasons and consistently ranking among the Wild’s top performers.
Draft Pick & Early Investment
As mentioned, Kaprizov was drafted 135th overall in 2015. For a 5th-round pick to evolve into a franchise cornerstone is rare and underscores how well Minnesota’s scouting and development paid off.
Because he remained in Russia for several years post-draft, Minnesota was able to maintain his rights while letting him develop overseas—a lower-risk approach that many NHL teams use with European prospects.
Contract Evolution & Salary Details
Entry-Level Contract (2020–2021)
Kaprizov’s entry-level contract spanned two years and had a base cap hit of $925,000. The details of minor bonuses and incentives are less public, as is typical with entry-level deals.
5-Year, $45M Deal (2021–2026)
In September 2021, Kaprizov inked a 5-year extension valued at $45 million, which had a $9 million average annual value (AAV). Under that contract, he received signing bonuses and salary distribution in each year of the deal.
During this term:
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2021-22: ~$5 million base (plus bonuses)
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2022-23: ~$10 million base
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2023-24: ~$12.5 million base
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2024-25: ~$10 million base
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2025-26: ~$7.5 million base
This structure allowed Minnesota to afford his production while giving Kaprizov stability.
8-Year, $136M Extension (Starting 2026)
On September 30, 2025, the Wild and Kaprizov agreed to a record-breaking 8-year extension worth $136 million, starting with the 2026–27 season. The contract carries a $17 million AAV cap hit — the highest in NHL history in terms of both total value and annual average.
The deal includes substantial signing bonuses in the early years and is loaded with no-move clauses (NMC) throughout. Over the term, his total compensation per season varies, but the overall structure positions him securely as one of the best-compensated players in league history.
Of note: before signing this extension, Kaprizov reportedly rejected an earlier 8-year, $128 million offer from Minnesota in September 2025, which would have paid $16 million per year.
Under the new deal:
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He remains under contract through 2033-34, becoming a UFA (unrestricted free agent) at age 37.
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The cap hit is $17 million each season.
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Signing bonuses front-loaded — e.g., the first few seasons carry bonuses of $18.1M each, tapering in later years.
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Total salary in each year varies (e.g., ~$19.1M in early years, dropping in later years)
This contract sets a new benchmark for player compensation, both in total value and average annual salary.
Injury History & Impact on Performance
Kaprizov’s career has not been without injury concerns, especially in recent seasons. These setbacks have raised questions about durability given the large, long-term contract he signed.
Injury Timeline & Major Incidents
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During the 2024–25 season, Kaprizov was sidelined by lower-body injuries and eventually underwent surgery, which cost him significant playing time.
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The surgery announcement came in January 2025; he was projected to miss at least 4 weeks.
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After a 12-game absence, Kaprizov resumed skating in March 2025, but the return was cautious and gradual, with no guarantee on immediate game action.
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His injury history overall includes multiple stints of being day-to-day, upper-body injuries, leg injuries, and other lower-body ailments.
According to a transaction & injuries log, in 2024–25 alone, Kaprizov missed 28 games due to lower-body surgery, had a 12-game absence earlier in the season, and had multiple day-to-day injury placements.
Performance Impact & Risk Assessment
Despite injuries, Kaprizov’s production when healthy has remained elite. In the 2024–25 season, he played just 41 games but still managed 56 points (25 goals, 31 assists). That’s a points-per-game average well above many franchise regulars.
Still, skeptics and analysts caution that a long-term, high-value contract like his 8-year deal carries inherent risk, given the possibility of recurring injuries. One fan commentary famously lamented that a single injury in a playoff game could severely hurt a team’s investment. Others have called the deal a bold bet, hoping Kaprizov maintains his health and dominance.
Minnesota’s decision-makers clearly assessed that the upside outweighs the risk — especially given Kaprizov’s elite scoring capacity and global superstar status.
Career Stats, Milestones & Advanced Metrics
Let’s delve into Kaprizov’s statistical resume, both traditional counts and advanced metrics.
Traditional Statistics (Regular Season & Playoffs)
As of the conclusion of the 2024–25 season (prior to the new extension):
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NHL regular-season totals: 319 games, 185 goals, 201 assists ⇒ 386 points
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Playoff performance: In postseason appearances to date, Kaprizov has collected points, showing his scoring carries into October hockey.
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In the 2023–24 season, for instance, he registered 46 goals, 50 assists → 96 points in 75 games.
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His points-per-game average in 2024–25 was ~1.37 (56 points in 41 games)
He’s also broken numerous Wild franchise records: most goals in a season, most assists, most points, and the only player in franchise history to deliver multiple 40-goal seasons.
Advanced Metrics & Underlying Trends
Kaprizov’s advanced analytics favorably reinforce his value:
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Cap hit in new contract: $17 million AAV
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Historical cap hits: During his 2021–2026 contract, the cap hit was $9 million annually.
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Per PuckPedia, his contract is structured with signing bonuses and base salaries that shift over time, optimizing flexibility under the salary cap.
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In 2024–25, he ranked highly in metrics like goals per 60, points per 60, relative CF%, relative DFF%, and impact stats even in a limited sample.
Taken together, Kaprizov’s performance both in standard counting stats and advanced measurements show that when healthy, he is among the elite forwards in the league.
Personal Life: Wife / Partner / Private Life
Unlike many star athletes whose personal lives are broadly known, Kaprizov keeps his private life relatively guarded. However, some details are publicly reported:
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Marital status: Kirill Kaprizov is not known to be married.
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In a relationship: He is reportedly dating Stesha Malikova (also written as Stefania Malikova).
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Malikova is the daughter of Russian musician Dmitry Malikov, and comes from a family prominent in music and performance arts.
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The couple has been spotted publicly together, though Kaprizov tends to keep comments about his personal life minimal.
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There are no credible public records indicating they have children as now.
Given his focus on hockey and his reserved nature, Kaprizov’s private life remains secondary to his on-ice persona.
The 2025 Contract Decision & Negotiation Drama
The months leading up to Kaprizov’s final year under his 5-year deal in 2025 were marked by intense speculation about contract negotiations and potential offers.
Rejected Offers & Strategic Timing
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In September 2025, reports emerged that Kaprizov had turned down an 8-year, $128 million extension from Minnesota. That proposal would have had a $16 million AAV, making him one of the highest-paid stars in NHL history.
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Wild owner Craig Leipold suggested both sides weren’t far apart and expressed confidence in reaching an agreement.
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But negotiations dragged into the season, with Kaprizov playing under his final year of the 5-year deal while talks continued.
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Eventually, the record-setting 8-year, $136 million extension was signed, beginning in 2026.
Why the Holdout / Delay?
Several factors likely contributed to the delay:
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Maximizing leverage — By waiting into the final contract year, Kaprizov and his agent could push for top-dollar terms.
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Injury risk — The team may have been cautious given recent injuries.
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Market benchmarking — Kaprizov’s camp likely measured other elite deals (e.g. Draisaitl, McDavid) in setting their ask.
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Team flexibility and cap planning — Minnesota had to balance future cap space, commitments, and roster planning.
Ultimately, the resolution delivered a record deal that rewards Kaprizov’s status while locking in the Wild’s franchise centerpiece for years to come.
Implications & Legacy
For the Minnesota Wild
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Kaprizov’s long-term contract cements him as the face of the franchise and underlines Minnesota’s commitment to building around him.
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They take on considerable long-term financial risk; if injury or decline occurs, the cap burden could become problematic.
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But they also secure elite offensive production, fan engagement, and a marketing centerpiece for over a decade.
For the NHL & Player Market
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The contract resets expectations for elite forwards and adds fuel to inflation in the salary market.
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It surpasses prior top deals (like Alex Ovechkin’s $124M contract, Leon Draisaitl’s $112M) in both total and AAV.
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Future star forwards may use this as a benchmark in negotiations.
For Kaprizov’s Legacy
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If he maintains his high level of performance and health, this contract would be viewed as a brilliant commitment from both sides.
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But if injury or decline constrains his output, critics could view it as a risk.
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In any case, the deal itself cements that Kaprizov belongs among the elite few in NHL history.
Summary & Key Takeaways
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Draft pick: 2015, 5th round, 135th overall (Wild)
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Contracts / Salary: Entry-level at ~$925K; 5-year, $45M at $9M AAV; new 8-year, $136M extension at $17M AAV
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Injuries: Lower-body surgery in 2025, multiple stints of missed games; managed risk but still high production when healthy
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Performance: 319 games, 185 goals, 201 assists, 386 points (as of 2024-25)
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Personal / Relationship: Not married; dating Stesha (Stefania) Malikova, daughter of musician Dmitry Malikov.
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Deal significance: Record NHL contract in total value & AAV; reflects franchise commitment and market inflation
