The Minnesota Wild, who have been struggling recently, may soon get a significant lift.
Wild coach John Hynes announced on Wednesday that Kirill Kaprizov has been cleared to participate in contact practices. This positive update comes after Kaprizov received encouraging feedback from his surgeon.
Kaprizov, 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 level.
Prior to his injury, the Russian forward was leading the team with 23 goals and 29 assists in just 37 games.
He rejoined practice on Sunday for the first time, alongside Joel Eriksson Ek, another injured forward who has been out of play since the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Wild (41-28-6) are currently holding a six-point advantage over the Calgary Flames for the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference playoffs. If the playoffs started today, they would face the Winnipeg Jets in the first round.
After a three-game winning streak, the Wild have lost four of their last five games. They are scheduled to play against the New York Rangers on Wednesday.
Coach Hynes indicated that Kaprizov is not expected 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.