Just when things were looking up for Kirill Kaprizov's health, the Minnesota Wild announced that he would be undergoing surgery on Tuesday. The star forward missed practice after talk within the organization as to whether he would need surgery rumbled over the last several days.

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.

PAUL - The Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin will address the media at 11:00 am about Kirill Kaprizov. Kaprizov, 27, missed 12 games with a lower-body injury following the Christmas break.

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.

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The Minnesota Wild passed their first test without star winger Kirill Kaprizov. They will look to continue that good fortune on Thursday night when they visit the Montreal Canadiens.

Jared Spurgeon scored what turned out to be the winning goal in the first period and the visiting Minnesota Wild went on to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 on Wednesday night.

Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov needs surgery on the lingering lower-body injury he recently returned from and will be sidelined for at least a month. General manager Bill Guerin said