The Chicago Blackhawks appear to be at the top of the list of teams that Kirill Kaprizov, the Minnesota Wild star forward, would consider going to when he becomes a free agent in 2026.

This is not a good look for the Wild as he still has two more years left under contract and after the 2024-25 season, Minnesota is finally freed up from the $14 million dead cap that has been on their books. Next season is supposed to be when the team can finally go all out in the off-season and really become Stanley Cup contenders. That plan will be short-lived if it's a one-and-done effort with nothing to show for it.

Mark Lazerus noted that the Blackhawks see Kaprizov as a potential big addition in 2026 and that Kaprizov is reportedly intrigued. Despite his possible interest down the road, he is focused on the Wild for the next two seasons.

Any indication that Kaprizov is thinking about playing for another team isn't good news for the Wild. At the same time, this could really jump the Blackhawks into contender status and cripple a division rival at the same time. The Wild would have a very hard time recovering from this and it isn't a situation that can easily be resolved in one off-season.

By 2026, the Blackhawks will have taken big steps closer to the playoffs, if they haven't already made that jump. Kaprizov would come in during his prime, sign a big ticket, and give Chicago a massive weapon to push them over the top. Connor Bedard and a number of the other top young players will have developed nicely or revealed themselves as contributors to the cause by then as well.

The Blackhawks will have more than enough money to make the big signing if Kaprizov heads to free agency. Considering they might already have the upper hand, that only benefits them over any other potential suitor. If Kaprizov heads to free agency in 2026, you can guarantee there will be many teams after him.

For a rebuilding team to really take the next step, it more than not comes with a big free agent addition. Not everyone can be developed internally even though the Blackhawks have plenty of talent. The closest and best comparison I can think of is the New York Rangers signing Artemi Panarin. This added a high-end scorer in his prime and the Rangers have had ample opportunities at the top of the league the past number of years.

Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson sees no salary cap issues or problems with paying Connor Bedard and other rising young stars after July 1 free agent flurry

The difference is, Chicago has players like Bedard, Artyom Levshunov, Kevin Korchinski, Frank Nazar, and many more already. Give them 2-3 years and Kaprizov can be what Panarin was for the Rangers, but added to a cast of players that can continue dominating for a long time.

If Kaprizov doesn't show any intention of re-signing with the Wild, I don't see him being traded either. With a superstar like that, the team who has him under contract will do everything they can until the last minute to keep him. As I stated as well, Minnesota will likely make big moves next offseason with so much money freed up. That plus offer Kaprizov a ton of money and max term to stay.

Kaprizov's future is definitely uncertain, but the comments will keep the rumors swirling for the next two seasons until something happens one way or the other.

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