Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber underwent successful surgery on Sunday after suffering a fractured skull during a preseason game against the Dallas Stars. The team announced the news on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. General manager Bill Guerin stated that the 24-year-old blueliner is currently out indefinitely as the team follows medical guidance for his recovery.
The injury occurred during the second period of Minnesota’s 2-1 preseason loss on Friday, September 25, 2026. Faber was struck near the left side of his head and ear area by a shot from Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen at the 10:24 mark. Although he briefly went down to the ice, Faber skated to the bench under his own power, returned for his next shift, and finished out the remainder of the second period. He was subsequently held out of the third period and evaluated under the NHL’s concussion protocol before doctors diagnosed him with the fracture.
Impact on the Minnesota Wild Lineup
The diagnosis and subsequent surgery mark a severe escalation from initial expectations that Faber might only miss the team’s regular-season opener. The Wild placed Faber on injured reserve on September 28 as they finalized their opening-night roster. Minnesota is scheduled to open its 2026-27 regular season on Thursday with a road game against the Nashville Predators, followed by a home matchup against the Boston Bruins on October 3.
Guerin emphasized that the organization is prioritizing Faber’s long-term health over any hockey timeline. “He just had a serious surgery and an injury, so we’re just gonna update you guys when the time’s right,” Guerin told reporters. “But he’s doing well. He’s doing really well, which is good news. And we’ll just follow the doctor’s lead.”
Faber’s Rise as a Core Defender
Faber’s absence leaves a massive void on the Wild blue line. Acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in a 2022 trade, the Minnesota native has rapidly developed into one of the league’s elite young defensemen. In July 2024, he signed an eight-year, $68 million contract extension carrying an $8.5 million average annual value through the 2032-33 season.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Faber recorded 15 goals and 36 assists for 51 points across 80 regular-season games, while averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice time. He added 10 points in 11 postseason contests during Minnesota’s run to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Additionally, Faber was a key member of Team USA’s gold-medal-winning squad at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
With Faber sidelined, the Wild will lean on a defensive corps that includes recently acquired Quinn Hughes, Jared Spurgeon, Jonas Brodin, Olli Määttä, Zach Bogosian, and younger prospects like Daemon Hunt and David Špaček to redistribute heavy minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Brock Faber?
Brock Faber suffered a fractured skull after being struck in the head by a puck during a preseason game against the Dallas Stars on September 25, 2026.
Did Brock Faber require surgery?
Yes, Wild general manager Bill Guerin confirmed that Faber underwent successful surgery on Sunday to repair the skull fracture.
When will Brock Faber return to play?
There is currently no official timeline for Faber’s return. The Wild have placed him on injured reserve and stated they will follow the lead of medical professionals.
Which games will Brock Faber miss?
Faber will miss the team’s season opener against the Nashville Predators on Thursday and is expected to miss the home opener against the Boston Bruins on October 3.
What is Brock Faber’s contract status with the Wild?
Faber is in the second year of an eight-year, $68 million contract extension signed in July 2024, running through the 2032-33 NHL season.
