Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin faces a significant setback with a lower-body injury that will keep him off the ice for the foreseeable future. Head coach John Hynes confirmed the news on Thursday, revealing that Brodin is now considered week-to-week. This development casts a shadow over his anticipated participation in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games 2026, where he was set to represent Team Sweden.
Injury Details and Timeline
The injury occurred during Monday's game against the New Jersey Devils, which ended in a 5-2 loss for the Wild. Brodin played over 18 minutes in that match, contributing an assist and taking two shots on goal. However, the issue appears to be more than a simple game-time incident. Coach Hynes indicated that this is a nagging problem that has been building up over time, not something that happened suddenly in one game.
Michael Russo of The Athletic reported the coach's statement, noting that while Hynes did not explicitly say the Olympics are in jeopardy, the week-to-week designation raises serious concerns. Brodin previously missed four games in December due to similar issues, highlighting the persistent nature of this injury.
Impact on Team Sweden and the Wild
With the Winter Olympics set to begin in less than a month, Brodin has a very narrow window to recover in time for the tournament. His absence would be a blow to Team Sweden's defensive lineup. The 32-year-old defenseman has been a consistent performer this season, recording three goals and 15 points in 42 games while averaging more than 21 minutes of ice time per night.
The Minnesota Wild also feel the sting of this injury. Brodin will be unavailable for Thursday's game against the Winnipeg Jets, adding to the team's roster challenges. Another key player, forward Joel Eriksson Ek, is also dealing with a lower-body ailment and will miss the game. Eriksson Ek, who was also selected for Team Sweden, has 11 goals and 32 points this season.
Team Performance and Outlook
Despite these setbacks, the Wild have maintained a strong position in the NHL standings. They currently hold a record of 26 wins, 12 losses, and 9 overtime losses, totaling 61 points from 47 games. This places them third in the competitive Central Division.
Brodin's recovery progress will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. The team and fans alike hope for a swift return, but the uncertainty surrounding his Olympic participation remains a pressing issue. The defenseman's health and long-term availability are now top priorities for both the Wild and Swedish national team management.
