In a development that has Minnesota Wild fans closely watching, defenseman Brock Faber underwent surgery on Sunday to repair a fractured skull. The injury occurred during the Wild’s preseason finale on Friday, when a deflected shot from Dallas Stars forward Sam Steel struck Faber near his left ear.
Details of the incident
Faber, 24, was playing in the second period of the 2‑1 loss when the puck made contact. Despite the blow, he managed to get to his feet and skate under his own power to the bench, demonstrating the toughness that has become a hallmark of his play.
Team response
General manager Bill Guerin addressed reporters on Tuesday, confirming the surgery and offering an update on Faber’s condition. “He just had a serious surgery and an injury, so we’re just going to update you guys when the time’s right,” Guerin said. “But he’s doing well. He’s doing really well, which is good news. And we’ll just follow the doctors’ leads.”
Guerin emphasized the human side of the situation, noting that Faber is not only a key player on the ice but also a son, brother, and boyfriend. “The biggest thing here is that he’s doing well, and sometimes you just have to put the hockey aside and worry about the human being,” Guerin added.
Faber’s contributions to the Wild
Faber entered the 2026‑27 season after a strong 2025‑26 campaign in which he posted 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) with a plus‑18 rating while averaging 24:41 of ice time per game over 80 games. His steady defensive play and offensive contributions have made him a cornerstone of the Wild’s blue line.
Since being drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the second round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Faber has accumulated 127 points (33 goals, 94 assists) in 242 career games. He was acquired by Minnesota in a trade that sent forward Kevin Fiala to the Kings on June 29, 2022, and has since become a fan favorite.
International experience
In addition to his NHL duties, Faber represented Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, helping the squad capture the gold medal. His international experience adds another layer of prestige to his résumé and underscores his status as one of the league’s rising American talents.
Looking ahead
The Wild are set to open the 2026‑27 regular season on the road Thursday night against the Nashville Predators. While the team will miss Faber’s presence on the ice for the opening game, the organization remains optimistic about his recovery timeline.
“We’ll keep monitoring his progress and bring him back when the doctors say it’s safe,” Guerin said. “Our priority is his health and getting him back to full strength for the season.”
Community impact
Faber’s injury has resonated beyond the rink, prompting an outpouring of support from fans, former teammates, and the broader Minnesota community. Local businesses have displayed messages of encouragement, and the Wild’s social media channels have been filled with well‑wishes for a swift recovery.
As the team prepares for its season opener, the focus remains on both the competitive outlook and the well‑being of a player who has quickly become an integral part of Minnesota’s hockey identity.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
