Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes said he is "cautiously optimistic" that star forward Kirill Kaprizov and captain Jared Spurgeon will return to the lineup against the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday.

The Minnesota Wild have been without two of the most important pieces in their lineup for multiple weeks, but that could soon be on the verge of changing. Forward Kirill Kaprizov, who has missed the last 12 games with a lower-body injury,

The Minnesota Wild are trying to stay atop the West, a mission that will be easier if Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon return Thursday.

The Wild's Kirill Kaprizov is expected to play Thursday after a longer-than-expected break for injury. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov turns up ice against the Utah Hockey Club during the third period at Xcel Energy Center on December 20, 2024.

As per Michael Russo, the Minnesota Wild are set to activate Kirill Kaprizov and Jared Spurgeon from the injured reserve and long-term injured reserve.

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.

Articles and videos about Wild ‘cautiously optimistic’ Kaprizov, Spurgeon return Thursday on FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Wednesday after practice, when Zuccarello chatted with The Athletic about what life has been like for the Wild and his pal Kirill Kaprizov with the superstar sidelined the past dozen games, there was one portion of the interview we can guarantee was completely untrue and never actually happened.