"The last we saw of Guillaume Latendresse, he was making a surprise comeback in Winnipeg from a concussion after one practice. That was Dec. 13. The Wild power winger was clean-shaven, wore a smile.

His return lasted four periods.

Monday, with the All-Star break over, Latendresse once again made a surprise return, this time to practice after missing the past 17 games -- and 32 of the past 34.

His trademark full beard was back, too.

"That's how we know this will be a real comeback," Latendresse said. "I'll keep the dirty look."

Latendresse wasn't the only returnee Monday. Captain Mikko Koivu, who injured his left shoulder Jan. 14, skated hard and shot pucks with Latendresse before practice. If he feels fine Tuesday, coach Mike Yeo said Koivu might join the Wild during an abbreviated morning skate.

Yeo said neither player's return to the lineup is imminent."