Matt Boldy's first practice back ST. PAUL - The Wild are in action tonight to face the Columbus Blue Jackets for the start of the 2024-25 NHL season. One player to watch tonight for the Wild is Jared Spurgeon. The Wild's captain played in 16 games last season and is coming off two offseason surgeries. He played in the last two preseason games for the Wild are picked up two goals. Spurgeon, 34, put in a lot of hard work in the offseason to get ready for the start of this year's season. His goal was to be healthy and help this team get off to a better start than last year. “He's put a lot of hard work in, obviously, with the two surgeries, and then to get himself back. He's had a strong camp and he looks like he's game ready,” Wild head coach John Hynes said of Spurgeon. “But even for me, just to see his presence in the room, his energy and things that he says on the bench as a leader. I thought on the ice, his game looks like it's coming in the right direction, and credit to him for the hard work, but also the intangible things that he brings as a captain.” The Wild are happy he is back to help them on the ice but also are happy he is back to lead by example as the team's captain. Wild fans should keep an eye on Spurgeon tonight against Columbus. Make sure you bookmark The Hockey News' Minnesota Wild page [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/minnesota-wild/] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more. OTHER WILD NEWS
