Wild's injury crisis puts Kaprizov's health in spotlight as five-game road trip approaches

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild have won five of their first eight games, possess two of the NHL's most productive offensive players and have received exceptional early-season production from defenseman Quinn Hughes. But with seven players recently sidelined by injuries and Kirill Kaprizov's availability again drawing attention, coach John Hynes faces a growing challenge that could determine whether Minnesota's promising start develops into something more substantial.

The Wild (5-2-1) return to Grand Casino Arena on Sunday against the Columbus Blue Jackets before beginning a demanding five-game road trip through western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Minnesota did not play Friday and has no game scheduled Saturday. As of Saturday morning, there had been no major new roster announcement or confirmed change in Kaprizov's status following Thursday's 5-4 victory over St. Louis.

Kaprizov left Thursday's game late in the third period after being knocked down by Blues goaltender Joel Hofer behind the St. Louis net. Hofer received an interference penalty, and Kaprizov eventually went to the dressing room for evaluation. Hynes indicated afterward that the Russian superstar was OK, but his availability for Sunday's game remained an important question entering the weekend.

Minnesota can ill afford another significant injury, particularly to its most dangerous offensive player. Kaprizov has nine goals and five assists through eight games, including six goals and five assists during his current five-game scoring streak. His 14 points have helped the Wild remain competitive despite a lineup that has undergone almost constant changes.

Kaprizov scored once and assisted on two goals against St. Louis, continuing an exceptional opening stretch that has included a hat trick against Florida and a two-goal performance against Winnipeg. He also became the first player in Wild history to record 50 career games with at least three points.

Matt Boldy has emerged as an equally important offensive force. His fifth career hat trick Thursday, part of a four-point performance, helped Minnesota build a 5-2 lead before surviving two late St. Louis goals. Boldy has scored five goals in his last four games after failing to record a point during the season's first four contests.

The partnership between Kaprizov, Boldy and center Joel Eriksson Ek has become Minnesota's most reliable offensive combination. Their ability to generate scoring opportunities at even strength and on the power play has helped compensate for the absence of several established players.

Hughes has provided another important advantage. The former Vancouver Canucks defenseman has two goals and 10 assists through eight games, establishing a Wild franchise record for the longest point streak to begin a season. His eight-game assist streak also tied Filip Kuba for the second-longest season-opening streak by an NHL defenseman.

Those individual performances have helped Minnesota win three of its last four games, but they have also disguised some significant concerns.

Faber's recovery remains a major concern

Defenseman Brock Faber continues recovering from a fractured skull suffered during Minnesota's final preseason game Sept. 27. The former University of Minnesota standout underwent surgery the following day and has not returned to physical activity.

Hynes reported Thursday that Faber recently had his stitches removed and was scheduled for another medical evaluation next week. Although the update represented encouraging progress, the Wild have not established a timetable for his return.

Faber's absence has forced Minnesota to reorganize its defensive pairings, eliminating the anticipated combination of Hughes and Faber that was expected to provide the club with one of the NHL's strongest defensive partnerships.

Captain Jared Spurgeon also has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, while defenseman Olli Maatta has been unavailable. Their absences have increased the workload on Hughes, Jonas Brodin and the remaining healthy defensemen.

Minnesota recalled Carson Lambos from Iowa of the American Hockey League on Thursday and reassigned forward Justin Kirkland. Lambos, a first-round selection in the 2021 NHL draft, provides another defensive option while the organization attempts to navigate its personnel shortage.

Forward Nico Sturm remains sidelined after being struck near the head by a puck during Monday's 4-2 victory over Vegas. The incident required medical attention and occurred only weeks after Faber suffered his serious injury.

The Wild also have been without forwards Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno, while goaltender Filip Gustavsson has been sidelined by a hip injury. The combination of injuries has forced Hynes to rely more heavily on younger players and organizational depth.

Jesper Wallstedt has helped stabilize the situation in goal. The young Swedish goaltender made 21 saves against St. Louis and has provided Minnesota with dependable play while Gustavsson remains unavailable.

Columbus presents final home test before road trip

Sunday's matchup against Columbus represents Minnesota's final home appearance before a five-game trip beginning Tuesday at Edmonton.

The Blue Jackets visit Minnesota after hosting the New York Rangers on Saturday, giving the Wild a scheduling advantage with an additional day of rest. Columbus is attempting to establish consistency during the opening weeks of the season and faces a Minnesota team that has been particularly dangerous offensively at home.

The Wild's immediate challenge is maintaining their offensive production while improving their defensive consistency.

Minnesota surrendered two goals in the final four minutes Thursday, nearly allowing St. Louis to erase a three-goal deficit. The Blues also scored shorthanded during their comeback attempt, exposing a breakdown in Minnesota's execution while protecting what should have been a comfortable lead.

Those mistakes become increasingly important against stronger opponents, particularly Edmonton, which features one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive attacks.

The upcoming trip also includes games against Calgary, Seattle, Vancouver and Utah, with Minnesota playing consecutive nights in Seattle and Vancouver. The schedule will test the Wild's depth, conditioning and ability to maintain defensive structure with several regulars unavailable.

Hynes has emphasized a competitive, organized approach built around strong puck management and contributions throughout the lineup. The Wild have demonstrated that approach in victories over Florida, Vegas and St. Louis, but injuries have made sustaining it considerably more difficult.

Minnesota has accumulated 11 of a possible 16 standings points, an encouraging return through eight games. The larger question is whether its leading players can continue carrying the offensive burden while the organization waits for reinforcements.

For now, Kaprizov's health is the immediate concern. Minnesota has enough offensive talent to remain dangerous, but losing its leading scorer for any extended period would place additional pressure on Boldy, Hughes and a roster already stretched by injuries.

The Wild have earned their early success. Their next challenge is surviving the physical demands of an increasingly difficult schedule without allowing their injury problems to undermine it.

Wild upcoming schedule

All times Central.

Sunday's game against Columbus also will serve as Minnesota's Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night. The organization will recognize cancer patients, survivors and families while supporting cancer research and community organizations.

The Wild will return home Oct. 29 against the Islanders following five consecutive road games, including their first back-to-back road assignments of the season.