If fans weren't familiar with Brock Faber before, the 2025-26 season showed everyone who he was and what he can do. But there is reason to believe his game can reach a new level heading into the 2026-27 NHL season.
Brock Faber was nothing short of spectacular for the Minnesota Wild and Team USA during the 2025-26 season.
He posted career highs in goals (15) and points (51) while playing 80 games. His offense was stellar, and he wasn't even playing on the top power-play unit after the first 31 games, as Quinn Hughes' arrival chnaged that.
But Hughes' arrival also changed Faber's game for the better. Without a doubt, Faber was an NHL star defenseman. His ability to take on difficult matchups defensively, move the puck efficiently, and contribute offensively was borderline elite.
Although those facets of his game were already strong, they improved when playing alongside Hughes. With a player like Quinn Hughes, hockey becomes easier. Hughes can single-handedly control the pace of play, dictate where the game is played, and break it open with a single play.
Faber started to develop some of those traits, but it also enhanced the already strong parts of his game.
Recently, Wild winger Matt Boldy has praised Faber highly, saying, "He's the best skater I think I've ever seen...take his first two steps, it takes people like five steps to do."
That might shock some to hear, but the stats back up the claim. According to NHL EDGE, Faber ranked in the 93rd percentile in max skating speed, the 91st percentile in 22+ miles per hour skating bursts, the 97th percentile in 20-22 miles per hour skating bursts, and the 95th percentile in 18-20 miles per hour skating bursts. Incorporate his elite edgework and backwards skating, and Faber is truly one of the best skaters in the NHL.
The skating ability had always been apparent, but with Hughes by his side, Faber became more confident jumping into the play and initiating offense. There was a sense of comfort between the two: they knew they both skated well enough to track back if they decided to jump into the play.
This is why Faber's goals and point totals increased, even as his power-play numbers and usage declined. Faber will once again be placed on the second power-play unit this season, so his power-play numbers might decrease again.
But the chemistry and understanding he and Hughes have built together will make him even more potent at even strength.
On the defensive side, Faber should improve as well. He's set to be on the top penalty-killing unit with Jonas Brodin, and Brodin's return should let Faber avoid or reduce his minutes against top competition.
The 24-year-old might not get the credit he deserves in Norris Trophy voting because of Hughes' brilliance, but those who watch the Wild nightly realize how vital Faber is to Minnesota.
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