It took until Game No.40, but winger Zach Parise will finally make his season debut Tuesday when the Wild hosts the Panthers to begin an abbreviated two-game homestand.
"All looks good, and I've got the green light," Parise said.
Parise had been sidelined by leg pain and weakness from a herniated disc in his back; he underwent microdiscectomy surgery in late October and felt immediate relief after dealing with the back issue last season.
He had resumed skating in November and rejoined practice last month. Last week, he went on a conditioning stint to the American Hockey League and played a game with the Iowa Wild – his first since April 22.
"I feel ready," he said.
To facilitate Parise's activation from long-term injured reserve, the Wild placed winger Zack Mitchell on waivers Monday and if he clears, he'll be assigned to Iowa Tuesday.
During Monday's session, Parise skated on the left side of center Charlie Coyle with Chris Stewart filling out the line. Captain Mikko Koivu centered wingers Joel Eriksson Ek and Mikael Granlund, wingers Jason Zucker and Tyler Ennis worked with center Eric Staal and Matt Cullen anchored a fourth line that included wingers Marcus Foligno and Daniel Winnik.
On defense, Ryan Suter remained with Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin was alongside Matt Dumba and Mike Reilly was back next to Nate Prosser, as Gustav Olofsson rotated in.
