Wild ‘cautiously optimistic’ Kaprizov, Spurgeon return Thursday

Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild skates with the puck past Joel Kiviranta #25 of the Dallas Stars in the first period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Xcel Energy Center on April 28, 2023 in St Paul, Minneso ((Photo by David Berding/Getty Images))

The Minnesota Wild host the Utah Hockey Club Thursday night at Xcel Energy Center, and could be getting two of their best players back from injury.

Forward Kirill Kaprizov and defenseman Jared Spurgeon were on the ice with the team at practice on Wednesday at TRIA Rink. After practice, the Wild reassigned defenseman David Jiricek, a move conceivably to make room for the Kaprizov and Spurgeon additions.

Wild coach John Hynes to reporters after practice he’s "cautiously optimistic" Kaprizov and Spurgeon will return. But they have to talk with trainers first and get medical clearance.

"It’s leaning towards that they are going to be in the lineup," Hynes said.

Kaprizo has missed 13 straight games with a lower body injury, and would have to be activated from long-term injured reserve. Spurgeon has missed 15 games after taking an awkward fall into the boards against the Nashville Predators on New Year’s Eve.

A big boost if they return

Why it matters: Despite missing the last 13 games, Kaprizov still leads the Wild with 23 goals and 50 points in 34 games. He’s the offensive star. Spurgeon is the veteran, calming defensive presence who has four goals and nine assists in 13 games.

Still no Jonas Brodin, Marcus Johansson

Why it matters: Jonas Brodin remains out with a lower body injury after blocking a shot earlier this month. Marcus Johansson is out after taking an elbow to the face from Edmonton Oilers’ star Connor McDavid. Brodin has 16 points in 31 games, Johansson has 16 in 44.

Weathering the storm

The Western Conference: The Wild has more than weathered the storm during an injury-riddled season. They’re 28-15-4, and their 60 points in 47 games is fourth in the Western Conference. They’re second in the Central Division, five points behind the Winnipeg Jets.

If they can just stay healthy and get other bodies back, this is a team capable of making a playoff run.

Minnesota WildSports