Wild coach Bruce Boudreau returned to the team this morning after spending time with family following the death of his brother, Bryan.
Boudreau was all-business with the Wild getting ready to travel to Kansas City, Mo., for tonight's game against the Blues.
"It's good to be back," Boudreau said.
The Wild held an optional practice this morning, and Zach Parise was one of only four players remaining on the roster who weren't on the ice. Asked if Parise has been ruled out for the team's final two preseason games, Boudreau said, "I'm just under the assumption that that's probably the [case]. He hasn't taken physical contact yet so I would venture to guess no."
The Wild concludes its seven-game preseason Saturday against Dallas at Xcel Energy Center.
Matt Cullen did practice this morning but isn't in tonight's projected lineup. Asked how important the Cullen acquisition was for the Wild late this offseason, Boudreau said, "I don't know. We haven't seen him play yet. We have seen him play one game. I think on paper, in the summer, it's important and he brings a lot to the table. He's just another guy we want to get a little bit healthier and hopefully he gets to play Saturday night."
Tonight's game will feature a Wild lineup with far more regulars than it had earlier in the preseason. The list:
G - Alex Stalock
G - Devan Dubnyk
