Minnesota loses a cornerstone defenseman following a preseason exit, forcing a defensive reshuffle as the team braces for a grueling road opener against the Nashville Predators.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Brock Faber will officially open the 2026-27 season on the injured reserve (IR).
The Minnesota Wild placed Faber on injured reserve Monday ahead of the NHL's 4 p.m. CT roster deadline, confirming the defenseman will not be available to begin the regular season.
Faber exited Friday's preseason finale against the Dallas Stars with an injury and did not return. He was then absent from practice Saturday and remained off the ice when the Wild practiced again Sunday.
Minnesota had Monday off, meaning there was no additional update on Faber's condition following his placement on injured reserve.
Wild head coach John Hynes is expected to provide a more detailed update on Faber's status Tuesday when the team returns to the ice.
Faber's absence is a significant one for a Wild blue line that was expected to feature him alongside Quinn Hughes on the top defensive pairing to begin the season.
The 24-year-old has quickly developed into one of Minnesota's most important defensemen and is entering the second season of his eight-year, $68 million contract.
His placement on IR comes just days before the Wild open their regular season Thursday, Oct. 1, on the road against the Nashville Predators.
For now, the biggest question is how much time Faber could miss beyond the opener. He is forced to miss at least the first game.
More clarity should come Tuesday when Hynes addresses Faber's injury and his potential timeline for returning to the lineup.
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