ST. PAUL, Minn. — Kirill Kaprizov, the star player of the Minnesota Wild, will undergo surgery for his lower-body injury, which has plagued him for months. General Manager Bill Guerin announced this significant news, indicating Kaprizov will be out week-to-week as he begins the recovery process.
The injury first became apparent during the Christmas break, forcing Kaprizov to miss 12 games earlier this season. He returned to the lineup on January 23, only to play three matches where he managed two assists yet didn’t find the back of the net, appearing slower than his usual dynamic self.
Guerin confirmed, “Kaprizov is week to week and his injury is not season-ending.” With the Wild's schedule impacting recovery, the NHL is set to go on hiatus for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament from February 9 to 21. This break could offer Kaprizov the chance to recuperate without losing as many games, allowing him to return potentially before the playoffs.
The decision for surgical intervention was made following Kaprizov’s struggle to regain his full performance level. Despite his determination to contribute to the team, Guerin emphasized the importance of fully addressing the injury now instead of risking longer-term issues. “The best thing to do is to shut him down right now for a little bit, fix the problem, and then get him back to 100 percent,” Guerin stated.
During the current season, the 27-year-old winger remains a key asset, leading the team as the top scorer with 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 points across 37 games. He has been instrumental to the Wild's success, playing a significant role as they sit third in the Central Division with a record of 29-17-4, trailing first-place Winnipeg by nine points.
Another challenge faced by the Wild is their form, as they have witnessed inconsistency, compiling nine losses out of their last 11 games. To this point, Guerin reflects on the progress made but acknowledges the struggles: “I’ve been very happy with the way the team’s performed, but you always navigate the ups and downs throughout the season.”
Fans and analysts have viewed Kaprizov’s injury seriously, with his pre-injury performance being hailed as “Hart Trophy-type.” Coach John Hynes expressed concerns about Kaprizov's performance level after returning, noting the player was visibly unwell even when off the ice. “Even on the bench at times, he was struggling to get through it,” Hynes remarked.
The path forward for the Wild looks treacherous without their leading scorer, who has two years remaining on his contract after being drafted by the Wild as the fifth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Before entering the NHL, Kaprizov spent five seasons with CSKA Moscow in the KHL, where he made headlines with his career-high 108 points during the 2021-22 season.
With the NHL’s hiatus approaching, the timing might be fortuitous, offering Kaprizov just the time he needs to recuperate without missing full schedules. If he recovers within four weeks as predicted, he would miss just 10 games of the 82-game season.
The next few games will test the Wild’s depth as they look to carry on without their primary offensive weapon. Players like Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi, who closely follow Kaprizov’s point totals with 45 and 44 points respectively, will have to step up their performance to maintain the team’s playoff aspirations.
Kaprizov’s importance cannot be overstated, and his absence is felt deeply by the team as they continue to push through the remainder of the regular season. Guerin’s statement, “We just have to deal with the situation,” encapsulates the determination and resolve the Wild need to embrace as they navigate this challenging chapter.