Kirill Kaprizov of Novokuznetsk, Russia has signed the richest contract in National Hockey League history. On Tuesday, Kaprizov, a left winger, came to terms on a whopping eight year deal worth $136 million. This means that Kaprizov will be making $17 million per season starting in 2026-27, and ending in 2033-34. Kaprizov will be making $9 million this season in the final year of his existing contract.
Who had the previous record?
When it comes to the total amount of the contract, Kaprizov breaks the previous record set by Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin of Moscow, Russia. According to Jonathan Tovell of the Hockey News, Ovechkin signed a 13-year-contract worth $124 million on January 10, 2008. However, Ovechkin was only making $9.5 million per year, which was almost half the amount that Kaprizov is set to make starting next season.
While with the Capitals, Ovechkin led Washington to its only Stanley Cup title in franchise history in 2018, and this past season set the NHL record for the most goals all-time with 897. He broke the record previously set by Wayne Gretzky, who had 894 goals.
Kaprizov also breaks the record for the most money made per season. Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl of Cologne, Germany is making $14 million per season with his contract.
Change in the CBA
There has been a change in the collective bargaining agreement. This is the last season a team can sign a player to an eight year contract extension. Starting next season, the maximum contract in terms of length will be seven years.
Rumors Kaprizov rejected previous offer
Earlier this month, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported that Kaprizov rejected an eight year contract offer worth $128 million. That report was denied by Wild general manager Bill Guerin.
Kaprizov in 2024-25
This past season, Kaprizov had 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points in only 41 games. He missed significant time due to lower body injuries. He was a +19 with 16 penalty minutes, 14 power-play points, five game-winning goals, 145 shots on goal, 17 blocked shots, 16 hits, 12 takeaways, and 59 giveaways.
How long will Kaprizov be the highest paid player?
There is some speculation it may not be for long. The Edmonton Oilers are expected to give Connor McDavid a significant deal. However there are also rumours that Kaprizov may make more money than McDavid. That is because the Oilers captain wants to win a Stanley Cup more than anything else and does not want to put the Oilers in a financial crunch in the Salary Cap era by signing a whopping deal.
