Wild already thinking about Kaprizov extension: 'It's a priority'

The Minnesota Wild aren't able to extend superstar Kirill Kaprizov until the summer, but the organization is keeping the potential megadeal at the top of their to-do list.

"Well, it's a priority," owner Craig Leipold told NHL.com's Nick Cotsonika. "There's no doubt. ... We want Kirill. He's a big part of our future. We know that. (General manager) Billy (Guerin) has already been thinking about it. How do we go about this? We've got to figure out exactly what the cap's going to be. It's an important part of our strategic plan to get him signed for as long as we can."

Leipold said before the season that no team will offer Kaprizov more money than the Wild. Kaprizov has done his part to earn a substantial raise from his current $9-million cap hit, ranking second in the league with 43 points in 27 games.

The dynamic winger is at the forefront of the Hart Trophy conversation thanks to his blistering start and would be the first player in Wild history to earn MVP honors if he wins.

"I don't know if I would pitch for it, because the price goes up," Leipold joked. "I say that with humor. But he's an amazing player."

Kaprizov's next contract would begin in 2026-27. It's unclear what the salary cap will be then, but the league is already forecasting a significant raise from the current $88-million limit.

The Wild will earn a huge boost to their salary outlook starting next season, as the combined dead money owed to Ryan Suter and Zach Parise drops from a combined $14.7 million to $1.7 million through 2029.

Minnesota has been arguably the league's biggest surprise this season on the strength of Kaprizov's production and stellar goaltending. The Wild currently lead the NHL at 19-5-4.