Wild captain Mikko Koivu will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee in a game Tuesday night.
The veteran center is set for surgery on Friday, the team announced.
The 35-year-old Koivu is the team's all-time scoring leader, with 688 points on 201 goals and 487 assists. He has one more year on his contract, at $5.5 million.
Koivu was injured during a 5-4 loss in Buffalo when he collided with Sabres winger Tage Thompson near center ice. The two smacked right legs, sending Koivu falling to the ice after he was carrying the puck.
"It's not the greatest situation to be in," forward Charlie Coyle said after the game. "He's such a huge part on the ice, in the locker room. He's our leader _ faceoff, defense, everything. He does it all, and you can't really replace him.
"Everyone pulls the rope more and takes on a little more responsibility. I think we're able to do that. Obviously, guys step up but not ideal. But it's going to be some good adversity to overcome."
The Wild is also without defenseman Matt Dumba, who had shoulder surgery that will keep him out of the lineup until at least April.
