NEXT LEVEL: Kirill Kaprizov Needs to DELIVER More For Minnesota Wild With MASSIVE Contract

Minnesota Wild face a pivotal crossroads as Kirill Kaprizov enters the first year of his massive $17 million deal. Can their franchise cornerstone justify the hefty contract and lift the Wild into Stanley Cup contention with more north-south, game-breaking play? Seth Toupal evaluates Kaprizov's 2025-2026 performance—45 goals, 44 assists, and record-high puck possession—but questions whether steady production is enough at this salary. Key topics include the implications of losing Mats Zuccarello, the emergence of new linemates like Danila Yurov and Maxim Shabanov, and Kaprizov’s statistical dominance among NHL goal scorers since 2020. The episode also explores lineup expectations, contract value, and whether Kaprizov will become the clear alpha or continue to share the spotlight. Will Kaprizov break the 50-goal mark, or will fans be left wanting more? The pressure is on in Minnesota. Photo Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Everydayer Club: If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.  Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonwild.supercast.com/ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Locked On Wild Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnWild Follow Locked On NHL: linktr.ee/lockedonNHL Have a Question for the Show or a Topic you want Covered? Email lockedonwild@gmail.com For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo - Today's episode is brought to you by Odoo ( OH - DO ). Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at Odoo Dot Com Slash lockedon. That’s O D O O dot com slash lockedon.  FanDuel - Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The biggest stage in world soccer is here, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit FANDUEL DOT COM to get started now. Gametime - Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.