Just when you thought salary cap talk couldn’t get spicier, Kirill Kaprizov has inked a jaw-dropping 8-year, $136 million extension with the Minnesota Wild (AAV $17 million).

That’s not just the biggest contract in Wild history — it’s now one of the richest in NHL history.

So what does that mean for Vancouver, for Pettersson, and for perceptions of value in an NHL where money and performance are always under a microscope?

In this episode of Locked On Canucks, we break down:

🔍 What Kaprizov’s Deal Does to the Cap & Comparisons to Pettersson’s Deal

Kaprizov’s new contract begins in 2026-27, and carries a $17 million cap hit per season.

Compare that to Elias Pettersson’s $11.6M cap hit — if Pettersson returns to elite form, that gap could make Vancouver’s gamble look remarkably shrewd.

The Wild just made the maximum bet on Kaprizov. That kind of financial commitment creates immediate expectations — it puts pressure on every other team’s stars to validate their contracts too.

Kaprizov’s contract now sets a new benchmark. It forces every GM, including those in Vancouver, to think: Am I getting equal value from my big contracts?

⚡ Why Pettersson’s Contract Now Looks Like a Bargain (If He Delivers)

If Pettersson plays like the “alien” again — dominant, dynamic, game-changing — his $11.6M AAV becomes a massive discount relative to Kaprizov’s new deal.

That gives Vancouver leverage in future roster building. Having a high-end performer at “moderate” cost frees up cap flexibility to build depth.

It quiets critics. Critics who once questioned Pettersson’s contract will now be compared to Minnesota’s worst nightmare — overspending.

✅ What This Means for the Canucks Moving Forward

Vancouver needs consistency. With Kaprizov’s deal shifting market expectations upward, Pettersson can’t afford extended slumps.

The front office is under pressure too. Building around Pettersson with supporting cast players is more urgent now.

Kaprizov’s contract also signals that teams are more willing than ever to bet big on a star’s long-term value. The arms race for top forwards just got hotter.

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