What Happened
The Minnesota Wild have activated Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno from injured reserve ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. According to the NHL's media site, both players were cleared to return to the active roster. To accommodate these additions, the team reassigned forward Mason Shaw to the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. This move provides the Wild with additional depth and physicality, particularly relevant given the uncertainty surrounding Michael McCarron's availability after he exited the previous game early due to injury.
Key Details
- Marcus Foligno missed just under a month with a lower-body injury.
- Nick Foligno missed more than four weeks with an upper-body issue.
- Mason Shaw was sent to AHL Iowa to make room on the roster.
- Shaw has not recorded game action for Minnesota in the 2025-26 season.
- The activations were confirmed via the NHL's official media site.
What It Means
The return of the Foligno brothers adds veteran presence and physicality to the Wild's fourth line. This is a timely addition as the team navigates injury concerns, specifically regarding Michael McCarron. While both Folignos have had limited offensive output recently, their experience and defensive reliability provide head coach John Hynes with more options for managing lineup depth and maintaining a competitive edge in close games.
What's Next
Both Folignos are expected to be in the lineup for the game against Tampa Bay. Mason Shaw will continue to serve as injury insurance for the Wild, remaining with AHL Iowa until recalled.