In the heart of Saint Paul, Minnesota, a quiet storm is brewing—one that could reshape the fate of the Minnesota Wild and send shockwaves throughout the National Hockey League.

Kirill Kaprizov, the electrifying left wing whose highlight-reel plays have dazzled fans and confounded opponents, suddenly finds himself at the center of swirling rumors and high-stakes negotiations. On the ice, Kaprizov remains a force, but off it, whispers of trade requests and contract rejections have ignited a frenzy among insiders and fans alike.

As speculation mounts, a concrete proposal has emerged that could see Kaprizov donning a new jersey—one that would stun not only the Wild faithful, but the entire hockey world.

Montreal Canadiens fans are buzzing, dreaming of the Russian superstar lighting up the Bell Centre, while Minnesota supporters anxiously check every headline for clues about their franchise cornerstone’s future.

But what would it take for such a blockbuster move to happen? And is there any truth to the rumors that have dominated sports talk shows and social media feeds?

With the stakes higher than ever and the clock ticking toward free agency, the answers are far from simple. The full story is more complicated—and more intriguing—than anyone expects.

Nov 14, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) passes to a teammate against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Kirill Kaprizov situation is currently a fascinating one in the National Hockey League.

There are several rumors circulating about him, including one suggesting that the Minnesota Wild asked him for a list of teams he would agree to be traded to.

The Wild reportedly asked Kaprizov for a list of teams he would like to play for. Some sources genuinely believe that Kaprizov will be traded!

In short, this has sparked the imagination of a few Montreal Canadiens fans, and a concrete proposal has even surfaced to bring star forward Kirill Kaprizov to Quebec.

However, the very well-informed Marco D’Amico has just poured cold water on this possibility.

The Habs player the Wild would ask for in exchange for star forward Kirill Kaprizov is Ivan Demidov, according to Marco D’Amico

You can guess that it would be an immediate “NO” from Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.

Kaprizov will be an unrestricted free agent next July 1st, so the Wild must quickly find a solution.. Losing him for nothing would be a true disaster for this rising franchise.

“Kirill Kaprizov, the star player in town, turned down a $128M eight-year deal.. and all of this raises questions about his future.”

– Félix Forget

Thus, on the airwaves of “The Shaun Starr Show,” Marco D’Amico indeed revealed what it would cost the Montreal Canadiens to get their hands on Kaprizov at this point.

“points out that the chances are extremely slim.. and when he started talking about what it would cost, he named one name: Ivan Demidov.

Because that’s the player who would be in the Wild’s sights to send Kaprizov to Montreal.”

– Félix Forget

So that settles the matter.

I would absolutely not trade Ivan Demidov for Kirill Kaprizov, and I am convinced that Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton feel exactly the same way.

Kirill Kaprizov, 28 years old, is a 5-foot-10, 202-pound star winger who was a 5th-round pick by the Minnesota Wild in 2015.

Over the past few seasons, Kaprizov has posted totals (per 82 games) of 112 points, 105 points, 92 points, and 109 points.