The Minnesota Wild have been without Kirill Kaprizov for roughly a month and it doesn't appear his return will be soon.

Eriksson Ek returned unscathed from the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he had a goal and an assist in three games for Team Sweden, and played in Saturday’s overtime win at Detroit. But his lower-body injury came to light following the Wild’s Monday morning practice at TRIA Rink.

The injury-thinned Minnesota Wild could use a boost in their push to return to the playoffs, with their margin for making it slimmed down following a strong start. With the NHL trade deadline approaching this Friday, the Wild more than likely will have to find that spark from within.

The Minnesota Wild continue to deal with injuries and forward Brendan Gaunce has been recalled to take a roster spot.

The Swedes were back from 4 Nations for practice on Friday, but U.S. players Brock Faber and Matt Boldy won’t join the team until before puck drop tomorrow in Detroit.

Kaprizov (lower body) is slated to be out "longer than we originally expected," GM Bill Guerin said Friday, per NHL.com. The Wild expected Kaprizov to miss a minimum of four weeks after undergoing ...