Minnesota Wild Linked to $11 Million Forward Days After Signing Kirill Kaprizov

This off-season was a slow one for the Minnesota Wild, but eventually, the team locked in their biggest star to a record breaking contract, as they'll now have Kirill Kaprizov likely for the remainder of his career.

Now, after paying Kaprizov $17 million per season, there's been some major worries that this team simply doesn't have enough money or overall resources to properly improve this team moving forward.

However, General Manager Bill Guerin has put those fears to rest, as Elliotte Friedman revealed on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that Guerin told Kaprizov the team are still looking to make some major additions.

The one name that Friedman dropped? Kaprizov's Russian teammate Artemi Panarin, who happens to share the same agent as the Wild superstar, and if the talented winger does test free agency and potentially depart New York, it's a pairing that would make perfect sense.

Despite the Rangers struggles a year ago, Panarin was once again fantastic, posting 37 goals and 89 points in 82 games played, and if he does want to play with another Russian star, teaming up with Kaprizov could be of major interest to him.

Ultimately, there's a year between now and 2026 free agency, with the Rangers having the opportunity to extend or trade Panarin between now and then, but if he does indeed hit free agency and take interest from teams, the Wild could be a perfect fit.