Wild's Kirill Kaprizov, Jared Spurgeon likely to return vs. Utah

Field Level Media|published: Wed 22nd January, 14:48 2025

Dec 18, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) defends Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) in the second period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes said he is "cautiously optimistic" that star forward Kirill Kaprizov and captain Jared Spurgeon will return to the lineup against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday.

"They were good. They do feel good," Hynes said after both players participated in line rushes during practice on Wednesday.

"I think we're going to wait, go discuss with the trainers, but cautiously optimistic that they'll be back for tomorrow."

Kaprizov, 27, has missed the team's past 12 games with a lower-body injury. Despite his absence, he still leads Minnesota in goals (23), assists (27) and points (50) in 34 games this season.

The Calder Trophy recipient as the NHL's top rookie in 2020-21, Kaprizov has totaled 380 points (183 goals, 197 assists) in 312 career games with the Wild.

Spurgeon, 35, sat out the last nine games with a lower-body injury. The defenseman has totaled 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 32 games and is averaging 20:43 of ice time.

Spurgeon has totaled 397 points (114 goals, 283 assists) in 899 career games -- all with Minnesota.

--Field Level Media

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