Wild's Kaprizov: 'I love everything here'

Superstar Kirill Kaprizov made it clear he's a big fan of life in Minnesota as the attention shifts to his contract status ahead of what could be a pivotal summer for the Wild.

Kaprizov has one year left on his current deal with a $9 million cap hit and is eligible to ink a new one on July 1.

"This is my agent's job (to) talk with (general manager Bill Guerin), but we will see," he said during his exit interview Sunday. "I love everything here. But should be all good."

He added, "It's easier because now I speak a little bit better English. It's easy for me to talk with the boys. ... I feel more comfy, every year more and more. It's like my home, my second home."

Kaprizov is in line for a sizeable raise: He ranks 10th among all players in goals (158) and 15th in points (335) in 264 contests since the 2021-22 campaign - the first season of his current contract. Kaprizov's 1.27 point-per-game rate over that span is tied with Toronto Maple Leafs stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner for the sixth highest in the league.

The Russian winger was a serious contender for the Hart Trophy this season before he was sidelined by an injury. He missed just one of the Wild's first 35 games and led the club with 23 goals and 50 points over that stretch.

Kaprizov was limited to seven contests the rest of the way due to a nagging lower-body injury that required surgery in January. He was outstanding in the playoffs, though, totaling five goals and nine points before the Vegas Golden Knights eliminated the Wild in six games.

"It's frustrating to lose," Kaprizov said. "When you lose in the first round, it's tough. We'll be better next year, try to just focus on the offseason now, good training, good camp. Should be ready to go again."

It was a hard-fought series for Minnesota, who lost the last three games by one goal - including two in overtime. Forward Mats Zuccarello thinks his team deserved a better fate.

"For many games there, I felt like we were the better team," he said. "No disrespect to them, it just felt like we played really good. It's harder when you feel like you should have maybe won in six, then you lose in six."

Zuccarello is also eligible for a new deal on July 1. However, at 37 years old, the veteran isn't ready to make a decision on his future yet.

"I would like to see how the season goes and how I feel. ... I want to play because I feel like I'm good enough to play," he said.

Minnesota will largely be free of the cap constraints caused by the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter contract buyouts next season. The duo accounted for almost $15 million in dead cap this campaign, but that figure plummets to $1.667 million in 2025-26.