'Thank God For Helmets': Nico Sturm's Wife Provides Update Following Frightening Injury

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild received some encouraging news regarding forward Nico Sturm after a frightening injury during Monday’s 4-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.

Sturm’s wife, Taylor, shared an Instagram story Wednesday night showing the Wild forward resting at home with his head on her lap.

“Nico is doing great! TG for helmets,” Taylor wrote, accompanied by a praying hands emoji.

The update comes after Sturm was struck on the right side of his head by a shot from teammate Jared Spurgeon late in the first period Monday.

Sturm immediately dropped to the ice, prompting Minnesota’s medical staff to rush out and attend to him. He eventually left the ice with assistance and did not return to the game.

The 31-year-old forward was subsequently taken to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation. On Thursday morning, Wild head coach John Hynes confirmed that Sturm is currently in concussion protocol.

The Wild placed Sturm on injured reserve Tuesday, and he did not travel with the team for its 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets. The incident was particularly concerning, considering what happened to Wild defenseman Brock Faber during the preseason.

Faber suffered a skull fracture after being struck near the ear by a puck during Minnesota’s Sept. 27 preseason game. He subsequently underwent surgery and has yet to return to game action.

Following Sturm’s injury, Hynes acknowledged the similarities between the two incidents.

“Actually the rink was like dead silent when that went on,” Hynes said Monday. “You instantly go right back to that [Faber’s injury]. I think everyone in the arena felt the same way.”

The two incidents have also brought renewed attention to the importance of ear protection in hockey.

Spurgeon began wearing ear guards following Faber’s injury, although the protection remains optional for NHL players.

While Taylor’s Instagram update provides some reassurance regarding Sturm’s condition, there is currently no announced timetable for his return.

Sturm remains sidelined as the Wild continue navigating an extensive list of injuries early in the 2026-27 season.

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