Minnesota was missing three key defensemen when the Avalanche visited on Thursday, but the biggest news coming out of the team's recent activities has been the return of star forward Kirill Kaprizov to the ice. Kaprizov, who has been dealing with an injury that kept him out of the lineup, has resumed skating, sparking some optimism among fans and the team alike.

This development is crucial for Minnesota, as Kaprizov is a key component of their offense. His ability to score goals and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has been sorely missed, and his return could provide a significant boost to the team's chances of success.

The news of Kaprizov's return to skating is especially welcome given the team's current state. With three key defensemen missing, the team has been forced to adapt and make adjustments on the fly. The absence of these players has put additional pressure on the remaining defensemen, as well as the goaltenders, to step up and fill the void.

While there is still no official word on when Kaprizov will be ready to return to game action, the fact that he has started skating again is a positive sign. It suggests that his injury is healing as expected, and that he is on the path towards making a full recovery.

For Minnesota, the return of Kaprizov cannot come soon enough. The team has been struggling to find consistency on offense, and Kaprizov's presence in the lineup would undoubtedly help to address this issue. His speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability make him a nightmare for opposing teams to match up against, and his return would give Minnesota a significant advantage in terms of depth and talent.

As the team looks to the future and the potential return of Kaprizov, they will also be keeping a close eye on the status of their injured defensemen. The trio of missing players has been a significant blow to the team's defensive corps, and their return will be crucial in terms of solidifying the team's backend.

Despite the challenges that the team is currently facing, the news of Kaprizov's return to skating has provided a much-needed boost of optimism. If he can return to the lineup and regain his form, Minnesota may yet find themselves back in the mix for a playoff spot. The road ahead will not be easy, but with Kaprizov leading the charge, anything is possible.