Wild's Brock Faber Leaves Preseason Finale After Puck Strikes Head
Brock Faber exited Friday's Minnesota preseason finale against Dallas after a deflected point shot hit him in the head during the second period. He returned for the remainder of that period but did not play in the third, and coach John Hynes described the decision as precautionary while saying there was no update on whether the injury was serious. The Wild have five days before opening the regular season at Nashville.
Faber absorbed a redirected point shot with 9:36 remaining in the second period of Minnesota’s 2-1 exhibition loss to Dallas. He got to the bench unaided, took another shift, completed the period, then stayed off the ice for the third. John Hynes called the move precautionary and said no update was available on whether the issue was significant.
The Wild begin the regular season Thursday in Nashville, giving them five days to assess Faber. He is a key long-term piece after signing an eight-year, $68 million extension in 2024 and posting 51 points in 80 games last season, plus 10 in 11 playoff contests. Earlier, Quinn Hughes hit the goalpost while chasing Roope Hintz but remained in the game.
If Faber misses time, Minnesota’s blue line and playoff hopes could be affected, along with teammates, coaches, and fans who follow the team. The uncertainty may also add to wider conversations about player safety, especially head injuries in hockey, though the team has described the move as precautionary. For now, the impact remains speculative until more medical information is available.