Gaborik tests his injured quad; Burns near ready

Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

Marian Gaborik skated in the first half of the afternoon scrimmage during the first day of training camp at Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Last update: September 26, 2008 - 6:22 AM

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WILD NOTES

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The Wild might be closer to getting two injured regulars back.

Marian Gaborik (strained quadriceps) skated on his own Thursday morning for the first time since aggravating the injury Saturday.

Defenseman Brent Burns (elbow surgery) can be cleared to play in an exhibition game at any time, assistant GM Tom Lynn said. In fact, coach Jacques Lemaire said he expects Burns to play Sunday in Buffalo or at home Tuesday against Chicago.

All's quiet on the Gaborik contract talks, although owner Craig Leipold said the two sides are not at an impasse.

Etc.

• The Wild typically doesn't like playing players not under contract in exhibition games, but Lemaire said GM Doug Risebrough has given him permission to play defenseman Tyler Cuma, a 2008 first-round pick, in a preseason game. That won't be tonight in Chicago, however.

• Josh Harding will start tonight's game in goal.

• The Wild will play 12 other regulars. Prospects Petr Kalus, Cal Clutterbuck and Maxim Noreau also will make their preseason debuts. The full lineup can be seen on startribune.com/russo.

• The Wild trimmed its roster to 48, returning Cody Almond and Carson McMillan to their junior teams and releasing Justin Hodgman, Frederic St. Denis and Tyler Schmidt.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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