Minnesota Wild star winger Kirill Kaprizov will be sidelined for at least four weeks following surgery on a lower-body injury, according to general manager Bill Guerin. Although the injury is significant, Guerin clarified that it is not season-ending, and Kaprizov will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis. His absence presents a challenge for the Wild, as they rely heavily on his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
Kaprizov’s Standout Season Cut Short
Before his injury, Kaprizov was enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. The three-time 40-goal scorer had positioned himself as a Hart Trophy candidate, ranking among the league’s top players in goals and overall points. By late December, he was tied for second in goals and fourth in total scoring, just seven points behind Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon. His impressive form made him a crucial asset for the Wild’s offensive production.
Kaprizov initially missed a month due to his lower-body injury before making a return on January 23. However, his comeback did not yield immediate success, as he failed to record a point in his first game back, a 4-0 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. Over the next two games, he managed to register an assist in each while playing over 21 minutes per game. Despite his efforts, the Wild ultimately decided that surgery was necessary, leading to the recent announcement about his extended absence.
Impact on the Wild’s Season and Upcoming Schedule
Kaprizov’s recovery timeline suggests that he could return by late February or early March. The Wild’s schedule includes six games before the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which takes place from February 12-20. This break in the season may help minimize the number of games he misses. The team’s first game after the tournament is scheduled for February 22, and if Kaprizov is ready to return soon after, it could provide a much-needed boost for Minnesota.
Kaprizov’s absence will likely influence the Wild’s playoff push as they attempt to recover from a recent slump. The team had a strong start to the season, going 20-6-4, but has struggled since mid-December with a 9-11 record. Currently, they are in third place in the Central Division, trailing the Dallas Stars by one point while holding a slim lead over the Avalanche. As the race for postseason positioning intensifies, the Wild will need to find ways to stay competitive without their star player.