The Wild backdated Kaprizov’s injured reserve designation to Dec. 23, the last day he appeared in a game, ensuring he can return as soon as he is fully ready as he has already missed more than the mandatory three games required by the NHL.

Meanwhile, team captain Jared Spurgeon could miss significant time after he suffered an injury during Minnesota's 5-3 win over Nashville on New Year's Eve. Spurgeon fell feet first into the end boards after being slew-footed by Zach L’Heureux.

Kirill Kaprizov missed one game earlier in the year as well but now he has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury and currently is on the Injured Reserve (IR). Forward Jakub Lauko dealt with a lower-body injury earlier this season and when he came back into the lineup he only played in three games before he aggravated the same injury again.

Kaprizov, who has missed three games with a lower-body injury, is still tied for second in the league in goals scored (23) and eighth in points (50).

Minnesota Wild forward Kirill Kaprizov will miss Friday night’s game at Dallas because of a lower body injury.

PAUL - According to the NHL Media Site, the Minnesota Wild have placed star forward Kirill Kaprizov on the Injured Reserve List (IR). The team has not made an announcement yet. This is retroactive to his injury before the break so the Wild could activate Kaprizov before their game on Thursday.

The Wild have been without superstar winger Kirill Kaprizov since the holiday break with a lower-body issue. It’s caused him to miss four games and will hold him out for at least one more, although general manager Bill Guerin says they’ll keep him sidelined for as long as the team needs to allow him to recover fully.