Kirill Kaprizov Placed on Injured Reserve

Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov has been placed on Injured Reserve retroactive to before the holidays due to a lower-body injury, and will not join the team on their upcoming road trip. Despite missing three games, he is tied for second in the NHL in goals scored with 23 and eighth in points with 50. His absence is compounded by the potential loss of captain Jared Spurgeon, who suffered a lower-body injury from a slew-footing incident. The Wild, currently 2-1-0 without Kaprizov, are struggling to maintain form amid these injuries. The team has recalled forward Brendan Gaunce and defenseman Carson Lambos for depth as they prepare to face the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes. The situation raises concerns about the Wild's performance as they navigate this challenging period without two key players.