Yesterday the Minnesota Wild signed Kirill Kaprizov to an eight-year, $17 million AAV contract, eclipsing Auston Matthews $13.25 million cap hit for the biggest cap hit in the NHL by a large margin. The contract, which is double what his next closest teammate (Brock Faber) is making, starts next year when Kaprizov is 29. It has a no-movement clause over all eight years and is mostly paid out in performance bonuses.

Wild, Kaprizov agree to record-setting $136M contract extension
Following reports from over the summer that Kirill Kaprizov had rejected an eight-year, $126 million deal, the Russian winger and the Wild have agreed to a contract that pays him $136 million over eight seasons, carrying a cap hit of $17 million per year.
TSNThe Canadian Press

The NHL wants you to know that this means the NHL is a good investment for owners and clearly you'll see a return on this investment because owners are willing to dish this money out.

Kaprizov’s 8-year, $136 million contract shows financial stability in NHL | NHL.com
Deal could set course for other pending free agents including McDavid, Eichel, Connor
NHL logoAmalie Benjamin

Here's the gossip from the insiders.

Insider Trading: How Kaprizov landed biggest contract in NHL history
TSN’s Hockey Insiders discuss Kirill Kaprizov’s mega deal, its effect on the rest of the market including Connor McDavid, the Devils/Luke Hughes and the Jets/Kyle Connor and the NHL-IIHF resuming WC of Hockey talks.
TSNTSN.ca Staff

Kaprizov's teammates are happy for him and are ready to make him pay for everything. Again, he makes double what his next highest teammate makes. But also, it's the owner's money not theirs. But also in a cap league, that $3.75 million more than Matthews is the difference between Max Domi on the roster or not! Or two Nick Robertsons!

All I'm hearing is the way it affects the Leafs is that we're somehow getting McDavid. Any other noise doesn't bother me one bit.

Cap comparables: How Kirill Kaprizov’s contract begins to reset the market
Kirill Kaprizov’s long-term extension with the Minnesota Wild set a new benchmark in a few ways for this year’s pending UFAs, and those to come in years ahead.
Sportsnet.caRory Boylen

Leafs legend Max Pacioretty is hanging up the skates and is working for the University of Michigan now.

Former Canadiens captain Pacioretty joins University of Michigan after 17 NHL Seasons
Former Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty is joining the University of Michigan after 17 seasons in the NHL, the school announced on Tuesday. He is joining Michigan’s program as special assistant to head coach Brandon Naurato.
TSNTSN.ca Staff

A good listen.

Where’s the best spot for Easton Cowan’s development? + Joseph Woll’s absence & preseason thoughts - MLHS Podcast EP99
Where’s the best spot for Easton Cowan’s development? + Joseph Woll’s absence & preseason thoughts - MLHS Podcast EP99
Maple Leafs HotstoveMLHS Staff

One of those.

Canadiens-Senators combine for 152 penalty minutes in pre-season game
The stakes were low but emotions were high as the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators clashed in Quebec City.
Sportsnet.caSportsnet Staff

The Leafs should be coming back from Muskoka at some point soon. Their next game is on Thursday against Detroit. Then they're in Detroit on Saturday for the last preseason game. Next Wednesday is the season opening at home against Montreal.

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