Detroit Red Wings emerge as suitors for Minnesota Wild star who declined $128M deal

According to a recent report, forward Kirill Kaprizov rejected a $128 million contract from the Minnesota Wild.

The team's top forward and General Manager Bill Guerin have yet to meet on either terms or numbers, as he could set the stage for free agency in 2026. Kaprizov could be one of multiple targets for the Red Wings, as this year's free agent class should be one of the best.

NHL Insider Frank Seravalli would put the situation into detail. The Wild's 100+ point forward has turned down an 8-year, $128 million offer.

Kirill Kaprizov turned down a historic $16 million deal in the NHL. It would've made him the highest-paid player in the NHL in both yearly salary and total contract.

This could mean that things aren't too peachy in Minnesota with Kaprizov and the team, as they want to see him remain in the NHL with the Wild.

With the Red Wings' available cap space in the $24 million ($11 million now) range next season, we could see Steve Yzerman make a splash by signing one of the top free agents in the NHL in 2026.

Kaprizov would inject speed and skill into the Red Wings' lineup. Last season, he scored 215-31-56 in 41 games with the Wild.

He would be an immediate impact player who could bolster a weak left side on the Detroit Red Wings team. Last season, they utilized Jonatan Berggren to fill that gap unsuccessfully.

Adding Kaprizov could put them into the contention discussion in 2026-27.