The Minnesota Wild (6-2-1) will get some reinforcements Tuesday night when they take the ice on the road against the Edmonton Oilers (6-1-1) at Rogers Place. 

Forward Nico Sturm will return to the lineup after missing three games and one week following a frightening head injury that forced him into concussion protocol.

Sturm suffered the injury when a puck struck him in the head, cutting through his helmet just above the ear hole. The incident required three stitches and prompted the Wild to place him in concussion protocol.

Sturm described the incident as a “scary” moment to reporters in Edmonton and acknowledged that the outcome could have been much worse.

The veteran forward will wear ear guards for Tuesday’s game against Edmonton and indicated to reporters in Edmonton that he will likely continue wearing them permanently.

Sturm’s return provides Minnesota with another experienced defensive forward who can contribute on the penalty kill and in the faceoff circle.

However, his return also means another young forward will be heading to the press box.

Rieger Lorenz will be a healthy scratch against Edmonton, while veteran Tyler Pitlick will remain in the lineup.

Lorenz recently made his NHL debut and has impressed with his speed, physicality and aggressive forechecking.

Wild head coach John Hynes previously praised the young forward for his competitiveness and ability to impact the game without the puck.

“A lot of speed and a high competitiveness factor on the forecheck,” Hynes said of Lorenz earlier this month. “He’s hard on the puck and very competitive. Seems like he’s responsible and understands how to play without the puck.”

Despite that praise, Lorenz will be the odd man out as Minnesota welcomes Sturm back into the lineup.

The Wild will look to build on their recent momentum Tuesday against Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers.

Game Information

● Time: 8 p.m. CT

● Location: Rogers Place — Edmonton, Alberta

● Minnesota Wild: 6-2-1 (13 points)

● Edmonton Oilers: 6-1-1 (13 points)

● Wild starting goalie: Jesper Wallstedt

● Oilers starting goalie: Devon Levi (projected)

Television: Wild+

● Play-by-play: Anthony LaPanta

● Color analyst: Ryan Carter

● Reporter: Kevin Gorg

Radio: KFAN FM 100.3

● Play-by-play: Joe O’Donnell

● Color analyst: Tom Reid

● Studio host: Kevin Falness

Edmonton broadcast:

● TV: Sportsnet

● Radio: 880 CHED

See more of The Hockey News on Google — Save us as Preferred Source

For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.