Kaprizov, Spurgeon Set for Return vs. Utah

The Minnesota Wild are set to bolster their lineup with the return of key players Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon against the Utah Hockey Club. Kaprizov, who has been sidelined for 12 games due to a lower-body injury, remains the team's top scorer with 23 goals and 50 points. Spurgeon, the team's captain, has missed nine games following an injury sustained on December 31. Despite these absences, the Wild have maintained a strong position, currently sitting second in the Central Division. Coach John Hynes expressed cautious optimism about the players' return, noting the positive impact on team morale. To accommodate their return, the Wild made roster adjustments, including sending defenseman David Jiricek back to the AHL.