The 2025-26 NHL season is here! The Minnesota Wild begin their six game preseason slated on Sunday, September 21 when they battle the Winnipeg Jets.
Preseason schedule:
- Sunday, September 21 @ Winnipeg; 4 p.m. on NHL Network
- Tuesday, September 23 @ Dallas; 7 p.m.
- Thursday, September 25 vs Dallas; 7 p.m.
- Sunday, September 28 vs Chicago at 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 30 vs Winnipeg ; 7 p.m.
- Friday, October 3 @ Chicago; 7 p.m.
In Wild team news, they still don’t have a contract extension signed with star winger Kirill Kaprizov.
When asked about the Kaprizov extension talks, General Manager Bill Guerin said they will, “Focus on the team”. Guerin continued, “There’s other teams in the league going through it, other players going through it”.
Kaprizov was made available to speak with media on Thursday and was also asked about the contact talks. Kaprizov opened by saying, “You guys know I like Minny, everyone knows, we have a lot of time”. During the statement he added, “I just want to play hockey and win some games”, hinting at not wanting to talk about the ongoing contract negotiations.
"I just want to play hockey"
🗣️ Kirill Kaprizov on liking Minnesota#mnwild pic.twitter.com/o85Vhnpfcu
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) September 18, 2025
On an optimistic note, Minnesota Wild rinkside reporter for FanDuel Sports, Kevin Gorg seemed positive in regard to the Wild and Kaprizov’s contract extension talks. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Gorg mentioned listening to/having conversations with Guerin and Kaprizov that he feels like, “both sides are extremely close to finalizing an extension.” Gorg concluded the post by saying, “I continue to feel positive about where this is heading but like most fans in this market I hope it’s done soon.”
The 28-year-old is entering the final year of his five-year, $45 million deal. Keprizov is set to make $9 million in the 2025-26 season.
The Wild will open the regular season on Thursday, October 9 in St. Louis against the Blues with puck drop slated for 7 p.m.
