What Happened
The Minnesota Wild announced Tuesday that defenceman Brock Faber is out indefinitely after undergoing surgery for a skull fracture. Faber was struck in the head by a puck last Friday in pre-season play against the Dallas Stars and has been in concussion protocol since. He was placed on injured reserve Monday. General manager Bill Guerin told reporters that Faber is doing well and that the team will follow the doctor's lead on updates, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic.
Key Details
- Faber sustained the skull fracture in pre-season play Friday against the Dallas Stars.
- He has been in concussion protocol since taking the puck to the head.
- Minnesota placed Faber on injured reserve Monday.
- The Wild announced the surgery and indefinite absence Tuesday.
- Guerin said Faber is doing well and updates will follow the doctor's lead.
- Faber, 24, was expected to pair with Quinn Hughes on the top defence pair.
What It Means
Faber's absence removes a top-pair defenceman from Minnesota's lineup for an undetermined stretch. He set career highs with 15 goals and 36 assists in 80 games last season and added 10 points in 11 playoff games as the Wild reached the second round. His expected pairing with Quinn Hughes will need to be reworked while he recovers.
What's Next
The Wild have not provided a recovery timeline and said updates will follow the doctor's lead. Minnesota opens the season without Faber and must adjust its top defence pair in his absence.