The Minnesota Wild announced the return of Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Utah Hockey Club, according to The Athletic’s Michael Russo.
Kaprizov, who leads the Wild in scoring, missed 12 games with a lower-body injury. The 26-year-old forward has recorded 23 goals and 27 assists in 34 games this season.
His 22:37 average ice time ranks second among NHL forwards.
Spurgeon returns after a nine-game absence following a slew-foot incident against Nashville on Dec. 31. Predators forward Zachary L’Heureux received a three-game suspension for the play.
The Wild captain has contributed four goals and nine assists while averaging 20:43 of ice time in 32 games.
Minnesota’s defense remains without Jonas Brodin, who has missed six games with an injury.
The Wild (28-15-4) currently hold second place in the Central Division.
