Kaprizov to have surgery, out at least 4 weeks for Wild

 

Due to a lower-body injury, Kirill Kaprizov will have surgery and miss at least four weeks of action for the Minnesota Wild.

"He will be sidelined for the next few weeks, but it is not a season-ending injury," Wild general manager Bill Guerin stated on Tuesday. We have previously traveled this path, and it is regrettable.

“I mean, Kirill was having a Hart Trophy-type of season. It’s disappointing for him. It’s disappointing for us too."

The forward played the past three games since returning from a 12-game absence because of a lower-body injury that was considered day to day. Guerin said Jan. 2 and reiterated that Kaprizov was dealing with a non-serious issue that they wanted to be overly cautious with its healing.

Prior to his return, Kaprizov didn't resume skating until Jan. 9, and was placed on long-term injured reserve, retroactive to Jan. 18.

With 34 games played before his 12-game suspension, Kaprizov tied for second in the League in goals (23) and tied for fourth in points (50), presumably positioning himself as an early-season Hart Trophy contender and on track for a 100-point season for the second time in his career. Kaprizov is presently tied for 21st place in points and tied for 11th place in goals.

With 23 goals, 29 assists, and 52 points in 37 games, he leads Minnesota in all scoring categories despite his absence. He also leads the team with a plus-19 rating and has 12 power-play points, second only to forward Matt Boldy (13).

Kaprizov had two assists in three games since his return, but Guerin said he was only at “60 percent.” Kaprizov played 22:17 and had two shots on goal in a 4-2 win at the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

“Kirill is very upset,” Guerin said. “Kirill is such a team-focused guy. And I think with what he has, he knows he could probably get by in games and try to help the team. But he doesn’t like it. Him at 60 percent is better than most players in the League, but he wants to be 100 percent and help us play as long as we can this year. And I agree with him.”

Wild coach John Hynes said, “Even on the bench at times, he was struggling to get through it. He did, and we did, everything we could to see if it would work for him, but it didn't. So, now we’ve got to go this direction."