Wild Captain Jared Spurgeon Returns to Lineup After Injury

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild received a significant boost to their lineup Thursday as captain and defenseman Jared Spurgeon returned from injured reserve ahead of their game against the Utah Hockey Club. Spurgeon, who missed nine games with a lower body injury, rejoined the team after a grueling recovery process.

“They had a long road to get back and put in a lot of hard work, so it’s nice that they’re getting an opportunity to play,” said Wild head coach John Hynes during the team’s morning skate. Spurgeon’s return comes as the Wild continue to navigate a challenging season marked by injuries to key players, including star forward Kirill Kaprizov, who remains sidelined with a lower body injury.

Spurgeon, a 15th-year veteran, suffered the injury on Dec. 31 after being taken down by a slew foot move that resulted in a three-game suspension for the opposing player. While Spurgeon declined to comment on the specific play, he expressed frustration about the setback, particularly after being limited to just 16 games last season due to hip and back injuries.

“That was the most frustrating part, just having to go back in the gym and doing the same stuff all over again. It brings back some bad memories,” Spurgeon said. Despite initial fears of a season-ending injury, Spurgeon’s recovery progressed faster than expected, a testament to his dedication and work ethic.

Hynes praised Spurgeon’s leadership and on-ice contributions, noting, “His work ethic was unbelievable. I thought he might’ve been back like a week earlier just watching him off the ice and in the gym with the work he put in.” The coach emphasized the importance of Spurgeon’s presence both in the locker room and on the ice, particularly in critical game situations.

Meanwhile, Kaprizov, the Wild’s leading scorer, remains out of action after missing 12 games with a lingering lower body injury. The Russian forward, who was among the NHL‘s top scorers before his injury, expressed eagerness to return but acknowledged the need to prioritize his recovery. “I just try not to think about this. Now I am just happy to come back,” Kaprizov said. “I don’t play one month. I don’t think about points or something like that. I just want to feel good in the game.”

Hynes highlighted the importance of managing Kaprizov’s workload to ensure his long-term health. “He’s got to do what he needs to do to get himself ready and prepared, but then as the season goes on, sometimes you need to maybe tweak some of those things,” the coach said.

The Wild, currently holding a competitive position in the standings, will look to build momentum with Spurgeon’s return as they aim to solidify their playoff prospects in the coming weeks.