A fresh start might be exactly what Thomas Vanek needs.

The Minnesota Wild forward is back to skating following hernia surgery and expects to be ready for training camp, he told Michael Russo of the Star Tribune on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old scored 21 goals and added 31 assists during his first season with the Wild, but failed to find the back of the net in 10 postseason contests.

Vanek has two seasons left on his deal with the club, and carries a cap hit of $6.5 million. More will be needed from him if the Wild hope to take the next step in the competitive Western Conference.