Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber out indefinitely due to skull fracture

<p>The NHL regular season is set to begin on Tuesday evening, but the Minnesota Wild have experienced a significant setback. Defenseman Brock Faber is out indefinitely after being struck in the head by a puck during the team's preseason finale.</p><p>The Wild faced the Dallas Stars on Friday night in their last game before starting the regular season on Thursday against the Nashville Predators.</p><p>The Stars won the game 2-1, but the incident involving Faber was a concerning moment when a shot from Dallas' Miro Heiskanen hit him in the head.</p><p>Wild General Manager Bill Guerin confirmed that Faber suffered a skull fracture and underwent surgery over the weekend.</p><p>Guerin reported that the 24-year-old Minnesota native and Team USA Olympic gold medalist is recovering well after the surgery. However, there is currently no timetable for his return, which poses a significant challenge for the Wild.</p><p>Faber is part of Minnesota's top defensive pair alongside Quinn Hughes, both of whom play crucial roles in the team's performance, contributing to ice time, playmaking, and scoring. They also lead one of the team's two power-play units.</p><p>Jared Spurgeon is expected to assume these responsibilities in Faber's absence. While Spurgeon is a reliable veteran, he may not replicate the offensive output that Faber provided last season.</p><p>The Wild made the playoffs last season and aim to continue their success, potentially becoming stronger contenders for the Stanley Cup, although Faber's absence complicates these aspirations.</p><p>Last season, the Wild finished third in a competitive Central Division, trailing the Stars and the Colorado Avalanche, who eliminated them in the second round of the playoffs.</p>