A preseason injury to Brock Faber leaves the Minnesota Wild reeling as the star defenseman faces an indefinite recovery following surgery for a fractured skull.
An innocuous shot in the final preseason game off of the stick of Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen has resulted in a significant loss for the arch rival Minnesota Wild.
Star American defenseman Brock Faber took the shot to the side of his head in the Stars 2-1 win Friday, crumpling him to the ice with immediate visible concern for those who saw the shot. A shot to the face happens more often than desired, but Faber could not have caught a worse break with the result.
Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) and Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) watch as a shot by defenseman Brock Faber (not pictured) gets past goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the third period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesThe Wild announced Tuesday that Faber had undergone surgery and was dealing with a fracture to the skull, an injury that will sideline him indefinitely. Faber is a huge part of the Minnesota roster, and alongside USA teammate Quinn Hughes, formed one of the best defensive duos in the league through the playoffs.
That unit ate Dallas alive in their six game series that lead to the Stars first round exit. The Wild outscored the Stars 10-1 in even strength time when Hughes and Faber were on the ice.
Minnesota shrugged off a huge weight from their shoulders getting past the first round for the first time in more than a decade and plan to build on that momentum this season. Now with the uncertainty regarding the health of Faber coupled with a big question mark regarding a new contract for Hughes, the Wild are under pressure to show up big time this year.
The Stars will be in the running, as usual, for a top three spot in the division, right where the Wild want to be again as well. With other improved teams in the Central Division, any issues could be the difference between playoff matchups or even making the playoffs at all.
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