Wild captain Jared Spurgeon (leg) out 2-3 weeks

Field Level Media|published: Thu 2nd January, 19:37 2025

Dec 29, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) shoots on a breakaway against the Ottawa Senators in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Wild will be without defenseman Jared Spurgeon for two to three weeks due to a lower-body injury, Minnesota president of hockey operations Bill Guerin told reporters Thursday.

The team's captain suffered an apparent right leg injury Tuesday when he was slew-footed by Nashville rookie forward Zachary L'Heureux and rammed feet-first into the boards. L'Heureux was suspended for three games earlier in the day for his actions.

Guerin said Spurgeon was week to week and would not need surgery.

"It's not as bad as we originally thought," Guerin said.

Spurgeon, 35, had four goals and nine assists through 32 games this season for the Wild, who entered Thursday night's game at the Washington Capitals in second place in the Central Division with 50 points.

Spurgeon has spent his entire 15-year NHL career in Minnesota. He would have played in his 900th game Thursday if not for the injury. He has collected 397 points (114 goals, 283 assists) in his career.

Guerin also told reporters that the Wild are not trying to rush leading scorer Kirill Kaprizov, who is not playing Thursday night and is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Kaprizov is tied for second in the league with 23 goals.

--Field Level Media

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