Faber Skates With Wild After Skull Fracture
Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber practiced on the ice for the first time since a preseason skull fracture.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Hockey
Brock Faber wore full uniform and skated with injured teammates at TRIA Rink in St. Paul on Wednesday. Coach John Hynes said doctors have cleared him to begin skating, but the team has not announced an official timeline for his return.
Why it matters
Faber is a key defenseman for the Wild, who sit at 11-3-3 and are tied for the Western Conference-best 25 points. His progress toward a return gives the team and St. Paul fans a clearer sense of the blue line's outlook as the season moves forward.
Faber has played no regular-season games this year after a skull fracture from a deflected puck in a 2-1 preseason loss to Dallas on September 25. The Wild have not released a return date, and further updates are expected at Thursday's practice.
The players
Brock Faber
Faber is a Minnesota Wild defenseman from Maple Grove who was a two-time Big Ten defensive player of the year with the Gophers.
John Hynes
Hynes is the head coach of the Minnesota Wild, who relayed the medical clearance for Faber to begin skating.
Jared Spurgeon
Spurgeon is a veteran Minnesota Wild defenseman and team captain who is also currently out of the lineup.
The details
A deflected puck struck Faber near the left ear, an area without helmet protection, and he underwent surgery to repair the fracture. Captain Jared Spurgeon is also out of the lineup, and the Wild host San Jose at Grand Casino Arena on Friday.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Faber suffers a skull fracture in a preseason loss to Dallas.
Last week: Hynes says doctors have cleared Faber to begin skating.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Faber is seen practicing on the ice at TRIA Rink.
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Updates on Faber's potential return are expected at team practice.
Friday, November 6, 2026: The Wild host San Jose at Grand Casino Arena.
Season Trajectory
The Wild's 11-3-3 start has them tied with Edmonton for the Western Conference lead at 25 points. Faber's return would help determine whether the team can sustain that early pace against its conference rivals.
Fantasy managers and Wild followers should watch Thursday's practice for any concrete return timeline for Faber on the blue line. Until the team confirms his status, his availability for upcoming games remains uncertain.
The takeaway
Injuries to top defensemen can reshape a team's early season, so the Wild's handling of Faber's recovery will be worth tracking. Watch official team announcements rather than speculation for confirmed return dates.
What happens next
Updates on Faber's potential return are expected at Thursday's team practice, November 5, 2026.
Further reading
Follow more Hockey coverage for context on the Wild's season.
