The Minnesota Wild, currently struggling, are expected to get a significant lift soon with the anticipated return of star player Kirill Kaprizov.
Wild coach John Hynes announced on Wednesday that Kaprizov has been cleared for full contact practice. This positive update comes after Kaprizov received encouraging feedback from his surgeon regarding his recovery.
Kaprizov, aged 27, has been sidelined for the last 25 games due to a lower-body injury that required surgery. His injury interrupted a season where he was performing at an MVP-caliber level.
Prior to his injury, Kaprizov was leading the team with 23 goals and 29 assists in just 37 games played.
He rejoined team practice on Sunday for the first time since his surgery, alongside fellow injured forward Joel Eriksson Ek. Eriksson Ek has been out of the lineup since the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Wild, with a record of 41-28-6, are currently holding the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoff race. They are six points ahead of the Calgary Flames and, if the playoffs started today, would face the Winnipeg Jets in the first round.
However, Minnesota has been struggling recently, losing four of their last five games after a brief three-game winning streak. They are scheduled to play against the New York Rangers on Wednesday.
Coach Hynes indicated that Kaprizov is unlikely to return to game action this week. The Wild`s schedule this week includes games against the New York Islanders on Friday and the Dallas Stars on Sunday.
