The Minnesota Wild find themselves in a different spot compared to a week ago. Last week, they tabled a record-setting contract offer to star forward Kirill Kaprizov, which he reportedly rejected.
The deal was worth $128 million over eight years, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $16 million. Now, just a week later, the Wild are at the center of speculation surrounding Kaprizov’s future. With every passing day, new reports surface about whether he will remain in Minnesota long-term. Lost in all of that is one NHL team that continues to be floated as a possible fit. The Carolina Hurricanes have the cap flexibility and young players that could make a blockbuster trade realistic.
Heavy Sports recently presented a trade proposal that had the Hurricanes acquiring Kaprizov from the Wild in a sign-and-trade scenario.
Hurricanes Get:
Kirill Kaprizov (7 years x $126 million AAV: $18M)
Wild Get:
Andrei Svechnikov
Bradly Nadeau
2026 1st Round Draft Pick
2027 2nd Round Draft Pick
Carolina Hurricanes Among Teams Linked to Kirill Kaprizov
If the Wild explore trading Kirill Kaprizov, the Hurricanes are one of the teams that continue to come up. Michael Russo of The Athletic discussed the idea during an appearance on the DFO Rundown podcast on Sept. 16.
“They are the one team that I think is extremely motivated to try to get Kirill Kaprizov…and would be willing to pay him; they’re a team the Wild might talk trade with.”
Russo added that if both sides discussed a deal, the return could include notable names.
“The guys the Wild might want there have some no move protection, I’m thinking of guys like Aho, but one person that doesn’t is Svechnikov.”
Aho’s no-trade clause makes his availability difficult to project. Svechnikov, however, would be a reasonable candidate. Seth Jarvis is also a player the Wild could ask about, but that would be a tough piece for Carolina to consider moving. Carolina has traditionally been cautious about parting with its younger core, but a chance to add a game-breaking winger could change the conversation.
Wild Could Land Solid Return
In the Heavy Sports proposal, the Wild receive a package built around Svechnikov, Nadeau, and two high picks. Comparisons have already been made to the Mitch Marner sign-and-trade this past offseason, where the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t get a massive haul in return. That deal showed how difficult it can be to maximize value when a franchise player is uncertain about his future.
General manager Bill Guerin may need to take a different approach. A deal involving Svechnikov, Nadeau, and draft picks would provide both a proven top-six forward and a prospect on the verge of the NHL, while also adding future assets. The inclusion of multiple draft picks could give the Wild the chance to land a later-round gem who could be part of the future for years to come.
No team likes to lose their top star, but hockey is a business and it happens. If Kaprizov does choose to leave the organization, it’s up to Guerin to look for a return that gives them multiple avenues to stay competitive. Whether that comes through a star-for-star swap, a package of young talent, or a mix of both, the outcome will be closely watched around the league.