Minnesota Wild left wing Zach Parise, right, and Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis, left, battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Zach Parise Injury: Updates on Wild Wing's Lower Body and Return

Scott PolacekNov 5, 2015

The Minnesota Wild can ill afford to lose superstar left winger Zach Parise, but he left the contest against the Nashville Predators on Nov. 5 after suffering a sprained right knee. He's set to make his return on Nov. 27.

Continue for updates.

TOP NEWS

Parise Active vs. Jets

Friday, Nov. 27

The Wild announced Parise would play in today's game.

Parise Comments on Potential Return

Thursday, Nov. 26

"I don't know yet, but hopefully. Felt comfortable doing everything. We'll see," Parise told reporters when asked if he could play tomorrow against the Winnipeg Jets, per the Wild's official Twitter account.

Fletcher Comments on Parise's Status

Saturday, Nov. 7

"All things considered, in terms of knee injuries, it's best-case scenario," general manager Chuck Fletcher told reporters.

Impact of Parise's Absence on Wild Offense

Parise is one of the most talented playmakers on the team and frequently pushes the puck into the offensive zone to either score or set up his teammates. He leads the Wild with seven goals this year and led the team with 62 points and 33 goals last season.

Chad Graff of the St. Paul Pioneer Press offered potential solutions for Minnesota as Parise continues to sit:

While the Wild have options, as Graff noted, they need Parise on the ice if they hope to build on last year’s playoff appearance. The veteran is arguably the best player on the team and is one reason the franchise can make it out of the second round of the playoffs for the first time since the 2002-03 season.