Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin has never been one to tell it like it is. Sometimes he’s so candid that it ruffles feathers, but more often than not it’s refreshing to hear a manager tell the truth at a point that takes people by surprise. He does so again, this time when it comes to the details of the team expansion with superstar Kirill Kaprizov.
Guering takes a few shots at fans who have been critical of the $138 million deal handed to Kaprizov this summer. It’s the largest contract in NHL history, and with players like Jack Eichel signing an eight-year contract for $13.5 million per season, or Connor McDavid signing a two-year contract for $12.5 million per season, the Kaprizov contract looks high.
Perhaps shockingly, Guerin is the first to admit, that it is an overpayment. Yet he has no regrets.
The Wild had to pay Kaprizov or they would lose him
Pierre LeBrun of TSN spoke with Guerin after Eichel’s signing. He wanted Guerin’s reaction after hearing the news of what was apparently a much more team-friendly deal for a superstar player.
Guerin said he had to operate under different circumstances. His market works differently and Kaprizov had to pay $17 million per season to keep the forward in Minnesota beyond next season. While nothing was guaranteed, Guerin believed there was a real risk to the franchise that they would lose Kaprizov to free agency, and it was worth making sure the star stayed where he was.
Guerin said he would do the deal all over again if he had to, noting he doesn’t regret the decision even if deals are signed for lower dollar figures.
Interestingly, there are rumors that Kaprizov’s contract could cause some friction in the Wild locker room. Considering their other players are making much less, Guerin positioned this as an opportunity to use those savings on Kaprizov. Still, others wonder if guys like Matt Boldy ($7 million), Joel Eriksson Ek ($5.25 million) and Brock Faber ($8.5 million) might be feeling a little bitter.
This is not to say that Guerin is to blame, as timing was a huge factor here. And Kaprizov is worth a lot more based on his value to that market and the revenue he generates from ticket sales.
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