The Minnesota Wild have suffered an early-season setback as veteran forward Mats Zuccarello will be forced out of the lineup for an extended period. The 38-year-old winger, who remains one of the team’s most consistent offensive contributors, is expected to miss seven to eight weeks with a lower-body injury, the team confirmed Tuesday.
The injury occurred during training preparations leading up to the Wild’s season opener, although specific details of the incident have not been disclosed. What is clear, however, is that the absence of Zuccarello leaves a significant gap in Minnesota’s offensive structure, especially in terms of top-six scoring and veteran leadership. He has long been a key playmaker for the franchise, particularly alongside star winger Kirill Kaprizov.
Wild head coach John Hynes acknowledged the blow, emphasizing both Zuccarello’s importance on and off the ice. “Anytime you lose a player with that kind of experience and ability, it forces everyone else to elevate their game,” Hynes said. “We’ll need guys to step into bigger roles, but Mats will remain around the team to provide his leadership while he recovers.”
This development places more responsibility on Minnesota’s younger forwards, who will now be asked to shoulder a heavier scoring load in Zuccarello’s absence. Players like Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy, already expected to take major strides this season, could see additional ice time and opportunities on the power play. The Wild are hoping that their depth, bolstered by offseason adjustments, can carry them through what promises to be a challenging stretch.
Zuccarello’s injury also comes at a time when the Wild are navigating the tight Central Division race, where every point matters. Missing a reliable offensive piece for nearly two months could make the difference in playoff positioning later in the season. Minnesota’s front office will likely keep a close eye on potential short-term roster moves or call-ups from Iowa of the AHL to help stabilize the lineup.
For Zuccarello, who tallied 55 points last season, the focus now shifts to recovery and rehabilitation. His return timetable sets him up for a potential comeback by early December, a crucial period when the Wild will be pushing to solidify their playoff hopes. While the injury is a setback, both the player and team remain optimistic that he will rejoin the lineup at full strength and continue to provide the creativity and experience that has defined his career.
