Twitter explodes after Kirill Kaprizov reportedly rejects $128M extension

Insider Frank Seravall shocked the NHL world last Wednesday, telling the world that Minnesota's star had rejected an enormous contract offer. According to Seravalli, the Wild had offered an $128 million extension for eight years, which would have technically been the highest-paying contract in the history of the league.

Upon hearing this, all of social media instantly exploded with disbelief and speculation, and screams of frustration came from all corners of the hockey world.

Shock and disbelief over the report

For many, the sheer size of the contract rejection was difficult to wrap their heads around. @Sports_PS5gamer summed it up best, writing:“Crazy times..... #mnwild superstar Kirill Kaprizov’s camp turned down an extension offer believed to be 8-years, $128 million in a meeting 👀 WHAT?! $128M, 8years?! crazy is honestly an understatement at this time.”

Meanwhile, @KyleBlohm (OGK.ron) echoed the same confusion, asking: “Bro!! Why would he turn that down, how much does he think he deserves?”Others took a turn toward what this means for the franchise. @citchmook, Avalanche_forever, put it very bluntly: “Minnesota is About to lose the best player they've ever had. Crazy.”

The Frustration and Speculation Set In

A few Wild fans, instead, took an emotional route. Although @vanb82 is a loyal fan, he admitted: “I’m obv a huge fan but if he just doesn’t want to be here let’s get that trade going and move on.”

Speculation quickly began to take on a life of its own. Among those that helped fuel the rumor was @OilersJack (Captain Jack), who posted: “OMG ITS HAPPENEING!! SOON!!! HE WANTS TO GO HOME!!!”Confusion ensued. @thatWIsportsFan (Aubrie) made the situation feel messy as there were conflicting reports: “'Kirill rejected the extension.' 'That's fabricated, Kirill didn't even meet with the team.' WHAT IS HAPPENING ARE WE SIGNING KAPPY OR NOT😭”Kaprizov, 28, has one year left on his current contract, and coming off another injury-shortened season, though it was elite production when in shape.

Whether this is a negotiating tactic, a push for a shorter-term deal, or a sign of deeper issues with Minnesota, one thing is certain: Chaos is being braced for on social media.Also Read: NHL trades rumors: Erik Karlsson could be the next trade target of the Detroit Red WingsNow that reports have come about Kaprizov refusing to sign, the future of the Minnesota team certainly seems somewhat uncertain. Although one year remains in his contract, when he is healthy, his talent ranks among the best in the world; so much is now at stake for the player and the organization. The fans, analysts, and social media are all wondering: will Kaprizov seek a shorter-term deal, test free agency, or attempt to force a trade? If it were one of those, then it would be at the very epicenter of the Wild's decisions about roster construction and strategic direction.

Presently, all eyes remain fixed on Kaprizov, whose decision will surely dominate the conversations surrounding the NHL through the coming months.