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.

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.

Minnesota Wild President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Bill Guerin today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled forwards Brendan Gaunce and Liam Ohgren from the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL),

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Wild are set to go on the road to face the Nashville Predators. They made a few roster moves before leaving Minnesota. Kirill Kaprizov has missed the last ten games with a ...

Star Tribune columnist La Velle E. Neal III joins Michael Rand for their debate segment. In focus this week: Can the Wild survive without Kirill Kaprizov (they did a good job Wednesday), will Brian Flores ever get another shot as a head coach and are the Twins right to be optimistic about their pitching?

Matthew DeFranks: St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong on looking to make some changes: “It’s not like I don’t talk to other managers. It has to fit for everybody. There’s a lot of situations where I hang the phone up and say ‘That sounds really good for him. I’m not sure what’s in it for me.’ …

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.

Minnesota fell back on depth, defense and Filip Gustavsson’s goaltending and improved its NHL-best road record.