Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery Sunday for a skull fracture suffered during a preseason game against the Dallas Stars, leaving a major hole on the blue line days before the regular-season opener.
Key takeaways
- Faber was struck in the head by a Sam Steel shot during the second period of Friday’s 2-1 preseason loss to Dallas.
- The 24-year-old briefly remained on the ice, reached the bench on his own and finished the second period before sitting out the third.
- General manager Bill Guerin said the club will let medical guidance determine Faber’s recovery timetable.
- Faber posted 15 goals and 36 assists in 80 games last season as Minnesota advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
- The Wild begin their season Thursday night in Nashville against the Predators.
Wild wait on medical timeline
The injury occurred 10:24 into the middle frame Friday, when a shot from Stars forward Sam Steel caught Faber in the head. Faber got up and skated off without assistance, then returned for his next shift and remained in the game through the end of the period. He did not come back out for the final 20 minutes.
Guerin said Tuesday that Minnesota is not putting a return date on the defenseman’s absence.
“We’ll follow the doctor’s leads” regarding the timeline, Guerin said.
The general manager stressed that Faber’s health is the organization’s immediate priority.
“Brock’s a great player. He’s a big player for us,” Guerin said. “It’s always going to affect your team when guys like that are out. The biggest thing here is that he’s doing well. Sometimes you have to put hockey aside and focus on the human being. That’s where we are right now.”
A critical absence on Minnesota’s blue line
Faber is heading into his fourth full NHL season and was expected to open the year beside Quinn Hughes in what projected as one of the league’s most dangerous defensive pairings. With no estimate for his return, the Wild will have to begin the schedule without that planned tandem.
Last season, Faber delivered 51 points on 15 goals and 36 assists across 80 games, helping Minnesota reach the second round of the playoffs. His NHL regular-season totals stand at 33 goals and 94 assists for 127 points in 242 games.
Faber also won Olympic gold with Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Minnesota opens its regular season Thursday against the Predators in Nashville. Faceoff is set for 8 p.m. ET.
