Russian star Kirill Kaprizov can become a free agent after next season, but he says he wants to stay and the Wild finally have salary cap flexibility.

Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov is entering the final year of his current contract with the team in 2025-26, but is eligible to sign a contract extension starting July 1. He spoke on Sunday about his future with the team after their first round exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

There’s probably not a person in the Minnesota Wild organization who knows Kirill Kaprizov more than Mats Zuccarello. They’ve shared a bromance for years, on the ice as linemates and off of it. The Russian superstar is known as “Uncle Kirill” to Zuccarello’s two kids.