Spurgeon set to rejoin Wild lineup versus Flames
Minnesota activated captain Jared Spurgeon from injured reserve, making him eligible to return Thursday against Calgary after a four-game absence. The 36-year-old defenseman had been out with an upper-body injury and has five points in six games this season. The Wild are 6-2-2 and tied atop the Central Division.
Minnesota’s captain has been cleared to play after sitting out four contests with an upper-body issue. His IR placement was backdated to Oct. 12, the date of a win against Vegas, and he is now an option for Thursday’s game at Calgary.
In his first six outings this season, the 36-year-old Edmonton native recorded one goal and four assists while averaging 22:21 on ice. The Wild went 2-1-1 without him, including an overtime loss to Edmonton after erasing a 3-1 deficit. At 6-2-2, Minnesota shares the Central Division lead with Utah.
Spurgeon’s return may steady Minnesota’s defensive mix and lift fan morale as the club stays near the division top. Teammates could see adjusted workloads, while supporters in the region and hockey audiences elsewhere may gain a familiar storyline to follow during the road trip. Because he has missed time before, his availability may also influence how cautiously the team manages his minutes, affecting lineup choices and audience interest.