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Minnesota Wild's Brock Faber Out Indefinitely After Skull Surgery Following Preseason Injury

Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber underwent surgery for a fractured skull sustained during a preseason game on September 25, 2026. He is now out indefinitely, missing the regular season opener against the Nashville Predators on October 1.

Timeline

  1. 2026-09-25: Brock Faber sustains a fractured skull from a puck hit during Wild's preseason finale against Dallas Stars.
  2. 2026-09-25: Faber briefly leaves ice but finishes second period; does not play third period.
  3. 2026-09-28: Faber undergoes surgery to repair fractured skull; announcement made that he is out indefinitely.
  4. 2026-09-29: Wild places Faber on injured reserve ahead of regular season opener.
  5. 2026-10-01: Minnesota Wild opens regular season without Faber against Nashville Predators.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber suffered a significant injury during the team's preseason finale against the Dallas Stars on September 25, 2026. In the final minute of the second period, Faber was struck in the head by a puck shot by Stars' defenseman Miro Heiskanen, resulting in a fractured skull. Although he briefly left the ice after the impact, Faber returned to finish the period but did not participate in the third, illustrating the seriousness of the injury. ([1],[2],[3]) [1][2][3]

Following the injury, Faber underwent surgery to repair his fractured skull. The Minnesota Wild announced on September 28 that he would be out indefinitely to recover from the procedure. As a result, he was placed on injured reserve before the team's regular season opener. The absence of Faber is a notable setback for the Wild, considering his critical role on defense. ([1],[2],[3]) [1][2][3]

Faber, aged 24, had an outstanding 2025-2026 season, tallying 51 points (15 goals and 36 assists) in 80 games. He played a pivotal role in the Minnesota Wild's deep playoff advancement and was also a contributor to the U.S. Olympic men's hockey team that secured its first gold medal since 1980. His injury thus represents a significant loss for both his NHL team and potentially for future international competitions. ([1]) [1]

The Wild are scheduled to start their regular season on October 1, 2026, against the Nashville Predators. With Faber sidelined indefinitely, the team will need to adjust its defensive lineup accordingly. The timeline for Faber's return remains unclear as further evaluations will dictate his rehabilitation process. This development has immediate implications for Minnesota's roster strategy as they head into the new season. ([1],[2]) [1][2]

Sources

  1. Wild defenseman Brock Faber is out indefinitely after surgery to repair a fractured skull | MPR News
  2. Wild defenseman Brock Faber has surgery to repair fractured skull, is out indefinitely - CBS Minnesota
  3. Wild D Brock Faber out indefinitely after undergoing surgery on fractured skull - Yahoo Sports

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