A depleted Wild roster could soon receive the ultimate shot in the arm — but maybe not as soon as possible.

Despite Thursday’s tough outcome, Wild players were thrilled to have their captain and star forward back in the lineup.

I think the guys have really bought in and understand that we have to play a really strong team game,” said coach John Hynes. “When you have players out, then it’s incumbent on the guys that are

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 15: Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild celebrates at the bench after scoring a goal in the first period of his game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Xcel...

Kaprizov had a couple scoring chances for the Wild (28-16-4), who were delighted to get their superstar back after he missed the last 12 games with a lower-body injury. Karel Vejmelka made 26 saves for Utah (21-19-7) in what was just their second shutout win of the season.

Superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov and veteran defenseman Jared Spurgeon returned to practice on Wednesday. Head coach John Hynes told reporters he's "cautiously optimistic" that both will play in their upcoming game against the Utah Hockey Club at Xcel Energy Center.

Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled forwards Brendan Gaunce and Liam Ohgren from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL),

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Wild have managed to hold together a highly competitive team all season despite a series of injuries that have sidelined several of their most important players.

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Wild (28-15-4) have been without their superstar forward Kirill Kaprizov since December 27th. He is set to return tonight against the Utah Hockey Club (20-19-7).

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Wild are set to go on the road to face the Nashville Predators. They made a few roster moves before leaving Minnesota. Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) was placed on the Long ...

ST. PAUL, Minn. --Kirill Kaprizov will return to the lineup for the Minnesota Wild against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday (8 p.m. ET; HULU, ESPN+). The forward has missed the past 12 games ...