Is Kirill Kaprizov playing tonight against the Golden Knights? Latest update on the winger ahead of the matchup - April 3, 2023

Kirill Kaprizov will not feature for the Minnesota Wild tonight when the team hosts the Vegas Golden Knights for the last time this season at the Xcel Energy Center. The puck drop for the game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.

The 25-year-old talented winger is currently dealing with a lower-body injury which he sustained during a game against the Winnipeg Jets on March 8. Kaprizov injured himself after the Jets' Logan Stanley fell on him awkwardly.

It was initially revealed that Kaprizov will remain off the ice, which will keep him away from the Minnesota Wild's lineup for at least 3-4 weeks. However, there is good news for Wild fans as their star winger is now expected to return to the ice for the first time since March 8.

Kirill Kaprizov is expected to skate for the first time since his injury on Monday morning ahead of the Wild's pregame skate ahead of their clash against the Vegas Golden Knights, according to Wild Insider Russo, who reported to the Athletic.

The same report further added that it's hard to tell how Kaprizov will react to skating for the first time in a long time. His physical health will be determined by the amount of progress he will show during his rehabilitation time and working out in the gym to stay fit and in better shape.

The Minnesota Wild are not rushing to get the 25-year-old back on the ice until he is fully recovered and healthy. According to reports, Kirill Kaprizov could return to action in the final week of the regular season.

A look into Kirill Kaprizov's performances in the 2022-23 NHL season

Kaprizov is considered one of the emerging players in the NHL. He is currently into his third season with the Minnesota Wild and has played in 65 games, totaling 74 points via 39 goals and 35 assists, making him the leading goalscorer for the team this season.

Kirill Kaprizov #97 of the Minnesota Wild blocks a puck off his chest against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 24, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty images)

He's has averaged 21 minutes of playing time on the ice and has 35 Penalties in Minutes (PIM) with a plus/minus of +6. Kaprizov has amassed 16 (PPG) and 15 (PPA) with six game-winning goals for his team this season.