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).

UPDATE: The Wild have recalled forward Brendan Gaunce and defenseman Carson Lambos from the Iowa Wild following today's announcement that Kirill Kaprizov is headed to the IR. Read below for our earlier report on Kaprizov, published this morning.

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

Star forward Kirill Kaprizov was placed on the Injured Reserve List to make room for a call-up. Brendan Gaunce returned to the Iowa Wild on Tuesday and scored three goals. He has now been recalled again by the Wild with Kaprizov out.