NHL contract shakeup: Kirill Kaprizov’s historic Minnesota Wild deal could reach $16M, Jack Eichel closing in on Vegas Golden Knights extension, Jack Roslovic’s free agency saga continues

As the NHL gears up for a fresh season, attention is turning toward three of the league’s most talked-about contract situations. Kirill Kaprizov is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a monumental extension that could reshape the market for top-tier forwards.

Jack Eichel appears set to remain with the Vegas Golden Knights as extension talks progress. Meanwhile, Jack Roslovic continues to weigh his options as the most notable name left on the open market.

Kirill Kaprizov is on track to sign a deal that could change the NHL salary landscape

In Minnesota, the Minnesota Wild are preparing for a contract that could send shockwaves through the league. Kirill Kaprizov, also 28, has emerged as one of the NHL’s premier wingers and his value to the Minnesota Wild can’t be overstated. Insiders have indicated that Kaprizov’s upcoming deal may carry an average annual value in the ballpark of $15 million with some projections even pointing as high as $16 million. That would make him the highest-paid player in the league starting in 2026-27, at least until Connor McDavid’s next contract sets a new benchmark. Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold acknowledged the significance of the deal, calling it a huge deal, likely the biggest in the NHL.

That underscores how central Kirill Kaprizov has become to the Wild’s competitive identity and long-term vision.

Jack Eichel likely to lock in long-term with Vegas before the season begins

The Vegas Golden Knights are on the verge of securing Jack Eichel’s services well into the future. The 28-year-old center is expected to sign a new contract before the puck drops on the regular season, according to league insiders. While specifics remain under wraps, the deal is projected to fall within the $13 million to $13.5 million range per season, a reflection of Eichel’s elite status and Vegas’s long-term commitment to its core.

This extension would keep Jack Eichel in Nevada past the 2025-26 season and give the Golden Knights much-needed clarity on their cap structure.

Jack Roslovic remains unsigned as top-tier free agent options disappear

While some stars are getting set for long-term paydays, Jack Roslovic is still without a contract. The 27-year-old forward finished last season with the Carolina Hurricanes and has reportedly drawn interest from multiple clubs including the Toronto Maple Leafs. Though Vancouver was previously in contention, they appear to have backed away from negotiations, possibly due to concerns surrounding Roslovic’s on-ice consistency.

Still, he remains a dynamic depth option, and several contending teams could see value in his offensive upside and versatility down the middle.

Big contracts are coming and a new financial era in the NHL may be about to begin

With preseason drawing near, decisions surrounding three prominent names could shape the league's financial future. Jack Eichel appears ready to commit long-term to the Vegas Golden Knights, locking in a crucial franchise pillar. Kirill Kaprizov could soon become the league’s top earner, signaling a new financial era for NHL superstars. And Jack Roslovic’s free agency hangs in the balance, with a decision that could impact a playoff team’s depth chart.

As the cap ceiling rises and player leverage grows, blockbuster deals are no longer the exception since they’re becoming the new normal.Also Read :Donovan Sebrango signs for one year with the Ottawa Senators in the 2025-26 season