Duffer’s Dabbles: Calder Trophy Winner Kaprizov Heading Home?

There are several published reports suggesting that Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov has reached an agreement on an eight-figure contract with CSKA Moscow, the KHL team coached by former Detroit Red Wings star Sergei Fedorov. Both Frank Seravalli (Daily Faceoff) and Michael Russo (The Athletic) are reporting this contract offer. It would kick into gear on September 1, giving the Wild the rest of this month to agree to terms with their young star.

Kaprizov, 24, won the 2021 Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year. He collected 27 goals and 51 points in 55 games, both franchise records for a first-year player. He is seeking a huge contract from the Wild. Reportedly, the the Wild have offers on the table for Kaprizov in the 7-8 year range at $9 million per season, which would make him the highest-paid player in franchise history.

Goalies Getting Paid

Monday was a good day to be a Metropolitan Division goaltender.

Philadelphia: Carter Hart agreed to a three-year bridge deal with the Flyers. It will pay No. 79 an AAV of $3.979 million.

Washington: Once thought to be Washington’s goalie of the future, Ilya Samsonov has a new contract and plenty to prove to the Capitals this season.

New York Rangers: The Rangers are certain that Igor Shesterkin is their goalie of the future and they paid him like one – four years at $5.667 million per season.

A Legend Calls It A Day

Pittsburgh: From now on, hockey circles will remember August 9 as the day Wayne Gretzky was traded and the day that Penguins broadcasting legend Mike Lange hung up his mic.

The free-agent market has been a wild ride since July 28. Which former Penguins have contracts, and who is still unemployed?

ESPN: Jon Cooper will be Team Canada’s coach Team Canada for the upcoming 2022 Beijing Olympics. 

Vegas: Pete DeBoer was an assistant on Canada’s greatest World Juniors team ever known. Now he’ll be an assistant coach for Canada at the 2022 Olympics. 

Boston: The Bruins signed 2021 first-round pick Fabian Lysell to a three-year ELC and he will play in the Bruins system, or the NHL next season.

Florida: The Panthers made another signing on Monday and they’re paying him for NIL. The Panthers signed the Miami Hurricanes QB D’Eriq King to an NCAA NIL deal, and the kid is gonna make some bank. 

Vancouver: How good will the Seattle Kraken be next season? How quickly will the rivalry with the Canucks develop? Here’s a good picture of what to expect from Seattle.

San Jose: The Sharks have steadily been stocking their prospect pool. How long until these minnows will be swimming with the big fish?