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Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber has been cleared to return to play after recovering from a skull fracture. Faber, 24, required surgery in September after being hit in the head with a puck during a preseason game against the Dallas Stars. According to The Hockey News, Faber has cleared the return-to-play protocol but still has no set timetable for his return to games. He is expected to resume skating in the coming days.
Wild head coach John Hynes noted that Faber has been cleared to exercise and work out, and he will start skating soon. "He's cleared in protocol to exercise, work out," Hynes said. "I think he's going to start skating in another day or so, and then we'll go from there," as reported by FOX 9.
Faber's absence has been a significant blow to the Wild, as he is a crucial part of the team's defense. Last season, he played 80 games, scoring 15 goals and 51 points, while averaging 24:41 of ice time. His return is expected to strengthen the team's defense, allowing other players like Jared Spurgeon and Jonas Brodin to adjust their roles accordingly.
The Wild have managed well without Faber, currently holding a 9-3-2 record and sitting in the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference. The team is set to host the New York Islanders on Thursday (November 5) at Grand Casino Arena.