Fellow senior writer James Mirtle agreed that Kaprizov's reliable offensive production is a big reason why he's leading the MVP race. The 27-year-old phenom has a legitimate shot at reaching the 130-point mark, which has only been hit by three players since 2000.

Negotiations between the league and its players union are ongoing, but according to comments from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman earlier this week, the salary cap is expected to rise to around $92.4 million ahead of the 2025-26 season. The current cap is set at $88 million.

Kaprizov has 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in 27 games, second in the NHL to Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon, who has 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) in 30 games. Kaprizov leads the Wild in scoring by a 15-point margin.

Pierre-Marc Bouchard was in Kirill Kaprizov’s rearview mirror after just nine games. Next up was Ryan Suter, whom Kaprizov passed last weekend. Now, the All-Star winger is closing in on Jared Spurgeon;

Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold made it crystal clear that the team is thinking about Kirill Kaprizov's next contract.