Minnesota Wild fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as their star player Kirill Kaprizov is set to return to action after a long spell on the sidelines. Kaprizov has missed 13 games due to a lower-body injury he suffered during a game against the Winnipeg Jets on March 8. However, the good news is that he will be suiting up for the Minnesota Wild's game against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET.
The 24-year-old Russian winger has been a standout performer for the Wild this season, and his absence has been felt keenly by the team. Kaprizov has been one of the most exciting players to watch in the NHL this season, and his 39 goals and 74 points in just 65 games are proof to his skill and ability on the ice.
Kaprizov's return to the top line and first unit power play time will give the Wild a huge boost as they look to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Central Division. The Wild have struggled in Kaprizov's absence, winning just four of their 13 games without him, and they will be hoping that his return will help turn their fortunes around.
A look at Kirill Kaprizov NHL career
Kirill Kaprizov has been nothing short of a sensation in his NHL career. The Russian forward burst onto the scene with the Minnesota Wild in the 2020-21 season and quickly established himself as one of the league's most exciting young players.
Kirill Kaprizov's debut for the Wild was nothing short of spectacular, as he notched two assists and the game-winning goal in overtime to secure a 4-3 victory against the Los Angeles Kings. He became the first player in NHL history to record three points, including an overtime goal, in his debut. That set the tone for what was to come.
Kirill Kaprizov's impact on the Wild has been immeasurable, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in Minnesota. In just two seasons, he has cemented his place in Wild history and established himself as one of the most exciting players in the NHL.
During the 2022-23 season, Kirill Kaprizov reached the 200-point milestone in his NHL career, doing so in just 171 games. Only three active players, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Evgeni Malkin, reached that milestone in fewer games. Before his NHL career, Kaprizov played six seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League, where he established himself as one of the league's top talents.