WildThe Minnesota Wild will be without their star forward and defenceman for now. Kirill Kaprizov is being placed on injured reserve while Jared Spurgeon sustained a possibly serious injury on New Year’s Eve.
Kirill Kaprizov Injured and Placed to IR
Hearing #mnwild star Kirill Kaprizov is going on injured reserve. Even though it’s retroactive to before break and he could come off anytime, I’m hearing he’s not coming on the 2-game trip. This creates room for a forward and likely defenseman David Jiricek with Spurgeon hurt.
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) January 1, 2025
This move is retroactive to December 23, which is the last time Kaprizov played in a game. The Russian has missed the last three games during the holidays with a lower-body injury. The Wild do not expect him to play in either of the team’s next two games. However, it is possible Kaprizov will miss more than just those two games. It is believed Kaprizov has not skated sine prior to the Christmas break.
The 27-year old had 50 points in 34 games before the injury. Furthermore, Kaprizov leads the league with 20 even-strength goals.
Jared Spurgeon Injury
The Wild have been bit by the injury bug lately. On New Year’s Eve, the Wild captain left the game with an injury and is also expected to miss time. The defenceman could not put weight on his right leg when he left the ice and he was seen by reporters on crutches and with a brace on his leg after the game.
Next Men Up
The Wild’s next game is Thursday in Washington. At this time, it is unknown what roster moves will be made to compensate for the loss of Kaprizov and Spurgeon. There is speculation that newly-acquired defenceman David Jiricek could be called up to replace Spurgeon. The 2022 draft pick has played in 53 NHL games.
The Wild are currently 2-1 with Kaprizov in the lineup. Matt Boldy has filled in on the Wild top line. Minnesota is currently in third place in the Central Division. The Wild are on pace to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Main photo by: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
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