The Minnesota Wild have officially activated defenseman Brock Faber from injured reserve, ending his absence following a preseason head injury, the team announced Saturday.
Faber suffered a fractured skull on Sept. 25 after being struck by a puck during the team’s preseason finale against Dallas, according to previous reports.
The 24-year-old spent three days at Regions Hospital and missed the first 21 games of the regular season, the organization confirmed.
Head coach John Hynes verified that the defenseman would play during Saturday’s matchup against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden, according to Joe O’Donnell.
The Wild enter the game with 32 points, leading both the Central Division and Western Conference, as noted by Minnesota Sports Fan.
The team currently holds a 98% probability of qualifying for the playoffs, according to multiple sportsbooks.
Regarding the defensive lineup, Michael Russo reported that the team is considering pairing Faber with either Quinn Hughes or Jonas Brodin, as reported by The Athletic.
The Wild are also set to feature forward Joel Eriksson Ek in the lineup, per reporting from The Athletic.
Jesper Wallstedt is expected to start in goal for Minnesota, according to The Athletic.
Faber, who is in the second year of an eight-year, $68 million contract, recorded 15 goals and 51 points during the previous season, according to NHL records.
The team is currently riding a 10-game point streak, the team’s official public relations account reported.
Tonight’s game is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Wild+ and Fubo, according to Minnesota Sports Fan.