In a stunning turn of events, Minnesota Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov has reportedly turned down an eye-popping eight-year, $128 million contract, the most lucrative in NHL history. NHL insider Frank Seravalli revealed the shocking details on social media.

The proposed deal would have set new records for annual average value (AAV) at a staggering $16 million, surpassing Alex Ovechkin's legendary 13-year, $124 million agreement from 2008.

Wild president and general manager Bill Guerin remained tight-lipped about the report, refusing to comment when asked about potential implications for Kaprizov’s future with the team. The anticipation surrounding this meeting was palpable, especially with team owner Craig Leipold expressing his eagerness for positive negotiations.

Leipold previously shared an optimistic outlook, saying, 'I feel that we’re not that far off... when Kirill comes over and gets a sense again for the excitement and love of the city, I think we’ll be moving forward in a good direction.'

Currently, Kaprizov is in the final year of a five-year, $45 million contract and can enter unrestricted free agency next July 1. His contract includes a full no-move clause, putting extra pressure on the Wild management to negotiate effectively.

If Kaprizov decides against extending his contract, Guerin might have to explore trades to teams of the star player's choosing. Otherwise, history could repeat itself, with the Wild potentially losing their star, reminiscent of the Marian Gaborik situation in 2009.

Kaprizov’s contract extension would kick in once he turns 29. After missing 41 games last season due to injury, the stakes are high for both the player and the franchise.

In his last remarks about re-signing with Minnesota back in May, Kaprizov emphasized his desire to win, stating, 'It's always about winning. Everyone wants to win. Me, too.' The fate of the franchise may well hinge on whether he chooses to continue his journey with the Wild.

This development marks a pivotal moment for both Kaprizov and the Minnesota Wild, as the team grapples with keeping their cornerstone player in the fold.