Big update on Zach Parise's devastating back injury.

There was some real concern about the long term health of Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise when he revealed just how debilitating his back injury was, but thankfully it now sounds like Parise is in the clear.

In a recent interview with Wild insider Mike Russo of the Star Tribune, Parise confirmed that not only was his back feeling much better, but that he was ready to compete at the upcoming World Cup of hockey.

“I feel really good,” said Parise. “All the rehab went and is going well. I’m happy with the progress. The doctors were really happy today. … I’m really happy with it. I’m good to go.”

Despite his comments however it appears that there may still be some concerns among the Wild's management regarding his back, and according to Russo there have even been indications that the coaching staff may ask him to ease up at certain points this season. Parise however says his back is fine and won't be a concern this season.

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“I’m no more susceptible right now than you are of getting a herniated disk. So for me that was good news. I’m not concerned about taking a hit and [I’m not] worried it’s going to happen again. If it happens, it happens. But I’m not concerned that because it already happened that it’s going to happen again.”

Fans of the team will obviously hope Parise is right on this one.