The Kaprizov Gamble: What a Montreal Canadiens Trade Would Really Cost

0 Diana khan September 17, 2025

The Kirill Kaprizov conundrum has the entire NHL talking, but what does it mean for the Montreal Canadiens? The superstar winger is in a contract standoff with the Minnesota Wild, and while he hasn’t officially requested a trade, the situation is fluid. The real question isn’t just “is he available,” but “what would it take to get him?”

For the Canadiens, the price of admission into the Kaprizov sweepstakes would be astronomical. We’re not just talking about a collection of draft picks and prospects. The conversation would likely start with a young, proven NHL star. Think Cole Caufield or even Juraj Slafkovsky. Then you’d have to add a blue-chip prospect like David Reinbacher or Lane Hutson and a first-round pick. It’s a king’s ransom, and for a team still in the midst of a rebuild, it’s a price that could mortgage the future.

The Ripple Effect of a Kaprizov Contract

Even if the Canadiens could stomach the trade, the financial implications are staggering. Kaprizov is reportedly seeking a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid players in the league, upwards of $16 million per season. That’s a massive commitment that would handcuff the Canadiens’ salary cap for years to come and create a new internal salary structure. Suddenly, Nick Suzuki’s and Cole Caufield’s contracts look like bargains. When it’s their turn to re-sign, you can bet they’ll be using Kaprizov’s contract as a benchmark.

Is It Worth the Risk?

So, is it worth it for the Canadiens to even make the call? Absolutely. You always inquire about a player of Kaprizov’s caliber. But the reality is, a trade of this magnitude is a long shot. The Canadiens have done an admirable job of building up their prospect pool and creating a team with a bright future.

Trading for Kaprizov would be an “all-in” move that could accelerate their timeline, but it could also backfire spectacularly if they can’t build a contender around him. For now, the Canadiens are better off staying the course, developing their young talent, and waiting for the right opportunity to strike. The Kaprizov situation is a tantalizing “what if,” but it’s a dream that’s likely to remain just that.