Brock Faber Undergoes Surgery for Fractured Skull, Wild Have No Timetable for Return.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber underwent surgery Sunday after suffering a fractured skull during a preseason game against the Dallas Stars, the team announced Tuesday. Faber was struck in the head by a deflected puck Friday night. The 24-year-old defenseman remained in the game and continued playing before being taken to a hospital during the third period. The Wild have placed Faber on injured reserve retroactive to the date of the injury. The team has not provided a timetable for his return. Faber is expected to be an important part of Minnesota's blue line this season, with plans for him to play alongside Quinn Hughes on the team's top defensive pairing. Captain Jared Spurgeon is expected to take Faber's place while he is sidelined. The injury comes after the best offensive season of Faber's career. He recorded 15 goals and 52 points in 80 regular-season games last season.
Faber also played a major role during Minnesota's playoff run, averaging 30:44 of ice time over 11 postseason games. The Wild eliminated Dallas in the opening round before their season ended against Colorado. Minnesota begins its regular season Thursday against the Nashville Predators, with Faber's recovery now adding another significant storyline heading into the season.
