Report: 30+ goal-scorer remains vague about injury

Fans and Minnesota Wild management are getting worried. Veteran Zach Parise remains vague about his back injury, which has kept him on the shelf for full workouts for the first seven days of camp. The 33-year-old also missed several games last season due to the ailment. 

The forward did practice for the first time with his teammates on Friday. But no one can assure he will be in the lineup for the season opener Oct. 5 against the Detroit Red Wings. 

“It’s frustrating, but at the same time, there’s still a good chunk of time before the season starts. Right now, it’s about being smart," Parise told the Star Tribune. 

“At this time of the season, you want to go in feeling good. You want to go in without nursing something or at 80 percent. You want to not have that stuff be on the top of your mind. Just go in, relax and play. And that’s what I’m shooting toward.’’

Parise added that he does not feel 100 percent ready to get back to the action. 

Head coach Bruce Boudreau thought Parise skated on Friday’s practice, but he also didn’t want to get overexcited.