As Kirill Kaprizov returns to Minnesota for captain’s practice this week, his contract status is a primary topic of conversation. While some teammates, like Marcus Foligno, are expected to playfully pressure the superstar to sign an extension, fellow forward Matt Boldy plans to remain on the sidelines.
“It’s none of my business,” Boldy said Tuesday at the NHL media tour. “As much as I want him on our team and would do anything to have him stay here and sign for eight more years, it’s not up to me. I have no say in it. For me to sit there and worry about it, I feel like it’s a little bit of a waste of time.”
The Minnesota Wild organization, however, is deeply invested in the outcome. General Manager Bill Guerin was expected to meet with Kaprizov and his agent, Paul Theofanous, as early as Tuesday. The three-time 40-goal scorer is entering the final year of a five-year, $45 million contract, and the Wild have signaled their intent to offer a historic extension. League sources suggest a maximum-term deal could approach the $16 million per year range, potentially making it the richest contract in NHL history.
Boldy, who committed to a seven-year, $49 million contract two years ago, understands the importance of securing the team’s cornerstone player. “Obviously, we want him in Minnesota and to sign his contract and be here and locked up,” he said. “I’m sure those conversations are going to start to happen. A lot of times, those conversations are a lot easier to have face to face.”
Boldy’s own contract is looking increasingly like a bargain after he posted a career-high 73 points last season, capped by a strong seven-point playoff performance. He attributes his own long-term commitment to his belief in the team’s direction under Guerin.
“I love it in Minnesota. I think the fans we have, the group of guys we have, how much we care about each other and how close we are, it’s big,” Boldy explained. “And then you got Billy in charge, who I think does a great job not only getting guys but holding guys accountable. Not a lot of times your GM has scored as many goals and won as many games and Cups as Billy has. To have someone like that on your side, I think, is huge.”
Coming off a stellar postseason, Boldy is poised for an even larger role this season. Coach John Hynes has indicated he may start the 24-year-old at left wing alongside Marco Rossi and newcomer Vladimir Tarasenko. Boldy has already skated with Tarasenko this summer and was impressed by the veteran’s offensive talent.
“The way he shoots the puck is insane,” Boldy said. “So, yes, definitely something to look forward to.”
This is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Boldy, who also has international ambitions after making the roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off. He hopes to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, also managed by Guerin, but insists his focus remains on the Wild.
Reflecting on last season’s first-round playoff exit against the Vegas Golden Knights, Boldy felt the team made significant strides despite the disappointing result.
“I thought we played really well… leaps and bounds as a team from how we played in my first two playoff series,” he said. “To play as well as we did and not come out on top, yeah, it stung. It definitely was a driver for the summer.”
Individually, Boldy is aiming to continue his upward trajectory and solidify his status as a key player who can be relied upon in any situation.
“I want to keep getting better, keep being a bigger impact every year,” he stated. “For me, that’s the sign of a good player, someone that the coach can look at you in any situation and be confident in you. In every situation, I want my name to be called.”
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