Zuccarello Out 7–8 Weeks, Likely on LTIR

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, the Minnesota Wild announced veteran winger Mats Zuccarello will miss at least seven to eight weeks with a lower-body, back-related injury and is likely to begin the season on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), jeopardizing roughly the first 20 games. General Manager Bill Guerin said the team does not yet know whether surgery will be needed, and head coach John Hynes gave no exact timetable for a return. Zuccarello, 38, had 19 goals and 35 assists (54 points) in 69 games last season and is in the final year of his two-year contract, making his absence a notable loss of scoring and veteran leadership. Minnesota said it will lean on organizational depth, with Liam Ohgren, Marcus Johansson and others in line for larger roles while Kirill Kaprizov’s recent long-term deal provides stability up front. The Wild open the regular season Oct. 9 in St. Louis.