ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have showcased resilience by maintaining a competitive edge throughout the season, despite facing a host of injuries that have kept many key players off the ice. The team’s roster received a significant reinforcer on Thursday with the activation of star player Kirill Kaprizov and captain Jared Spurgeon from injured reserve ahead of their match against Utah.
“They’ve put in a tremendous amount of work to make their return possible after long recovery processes, so it’s great that they finally get the chance to play again,” remarked head coach John Hynes following the morning skate.
However, the Wild will continue to be without defenseman Jonas Brodin, who is dealing with a lower-body issue and will sit out for the seventh consecutive game, as well as left winger Marcus Johansson, who is nursing a concussion and will miss his third game in a row.
Kaprizov last appeared on the ice in a game against Chicago on December 23, missing a total of 12 matches due to a lower-body injury that prolonged his recovery time more than initially expected. The organization opted for a careful approach regarding the comeback of their leading scorer and essential left winger.
Before his injury, Kaprizov was among the top players in the NHL for both goals and points, and was viewed as a legitimate candidate for the MVP award. He recorded 23 goals along with 27 assists over the course of 34 games. Remarkably, he continues to hold the 11th position in the league for goals despite his time away from competition.
“I’m just focused on enjoying my return,” Kaprizov stated. “I haven’t played in a month, so I’m not fixated on scoring points. My priority is just to feel good while playing the game.”
Adjusting back into a routine may pose some challenges for him, particularly in learning to manage his energy levels between games, as he is known to be a dedicated skater who practices extensively.
“He needs to find the balance in his preparation as the season progresses,” Hynes explained. “This part of managing his readiness falls to him, along with the trainers and strength coach. It’s not a substantial change—just ensuring he feels right and is fit to compete while also staying vigilant with his physical management.”
Spurgeon, who has been absent for nine games due to a lower-body injury affecting both his ankle and knee, spoke about the unfortunate events leading to his injury when he was taken down on December 31 by Nashville’s Zachary L’Heureux, who received a three-game suspension for the incident.
During his first interview since suffering the injury, Spurgeon opted not to comment directly on that play. After struggling through the previous season due to hip and back issues that limited him to just 16 games, he was in excellent form until this latest setback occurred.
“The toughest part was going back to the gym and repeating the same rehabilitation exercises. It tends to stir up old unpleasant memories,” Spurgeon shared.
The team was pleased to find that Spurgeon’s absence was less prolonged than they initially feared, especially following his concerning collision with the boards that raised worries about a potential season-ending injury.
“His commitment and effort were remarkable. I thought he could have returned even a week sooner given his performance off the ice and the dedication he displayed,” Hynes noted, adding, “The leadership qualities he contributes are invaluable, and we truly miss him when he’s not with us. Not to mention, he plays a crucial role on the ice, contributing significantly in challenging situations. It’s fantastic to have him back.”
