Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon appears to be ahead of schedule as he covers from a groin strain. He was back on the ice during Wednesday’s practice after a few days of skating on his own.

“It’s a different pace than skating by myself,” Spurgeon said. ” It’s nice to get back out there. The guys were happy with the win last night, so made it a bit easier on myself.”

Spurgeon has missed seven games since last playing in a Nov. 25 road loss to the Blues in St. Louis. He said he actually suffered the initial injury a week before he decided to focus on rehabbing the injury.

“Eventually it got as bad as it was and we had to pull up,” Spurgeon said. “I just got hit weird (in a game) and thought it was a Charley horse and then it started coming to the inside of my leg.”

Spurgeon is still waiting for clearance from doctors as to when he can return to the lineup, though the Wild are hoping that will be during next week’s road trip. The Wild could use him back on the ice. He is still tied for fifth on the team in scoring with 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists) despite missing the past 2 1/2 weeks. Related Articles Bob Nevin, won 2 Stanley Cups with Maple Leafs and played 2 seasons with North Stars, dies at 82

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“I’m sure he’s going to make the Florida trip,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “I don’t know where he’s going to play along those lines, whether it’s before that or after that. He should be able to, unless he tells us there’s something wrong, play in that situation.”

With Spurgeon out, Ryan Suter has been working alongside Matt Dumba on the team’s first pairing on the blue line, with Jonas Brodin and Ryan Murphy occupying the second pairing, and Mike Reilly, Gustav Olofsson, and Nate Prosser rotating in and out on the third pairing.

Spurgeon said though it’s been frustrating to watch from afar, he’s proud of the way the blue line has played in his absence.

“I think the thing that’s making it easier is the guys are winning,” Spurgeon said. “So, I’m able to heal and do the stuff I need to do. I’m excited to get back out there.”