Jonas Brodin’s surgery rules him out of the Olympics and deepens Minnesota’s injury issues. With key defense and top scorer Matt Boldy sidelined, expect a thinner blue line and uncertain offense — punters should be cautious on Wild moneylines, consider under totals or defense-leaning props until health clarity returns.
Jonas Brodin Undergoes Surgery, Will Miss Olympics
Jonas Brodin had surgery to address a lingering lower-body issue and will be unavailable for Sweden at next month’s Winter Games, coach John Hynes confirmed. The veteran defenseman sat out his fifth straight game in the NHL season when Minnesota hosted Detroit and had also missed four contests in December. Hynes would not give a firm timetable for Brodin’s return but indicated the 14th-year pro is expected back sometime this season.
"He got it done at a good time," Hynes said. "He will be back, for sure, with more than enough time in the season."
Wild Navigate Growing Injury List Ahead of Olympic Break
Minnesota enters the Olympic break with multiple lower-body issues across the roster. Leading goal scorer Matt Boldy missed a fourth consecutive game, while veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian sat out his ninth straight. The absences have thinned the Wild’s defensive depth and put more pressure on remaining regulars to handle heavy minutes.
Players Returning and International Commitments
Center Joel Eriksson Ek and forward Marcus Johansson were on track to return against Detroit after absences of six and three games, respectively. The Wild will still send Eriksson Ek and goalies Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt to represent Sweden at the Winter Games. Matt Boldy and defensemen Brock Faber and Quinn Hughes are slated for the U.S. team, which will further shape Minnesota’s roster availability during the break.
What This Means on the Ice
The loss of Brodin weakens Minnesota’s defensive rotation and could force younger or depth defensemen into larger roles. With top offensive contributors also managing injuries, the Wild may struggle to sustain consistent scoring and defensive stability until key players return to full health. Teams facing Minnesota in the near term could exploit matchups and power-play opportunities resulting from the depleted blue line.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin underwent surgery for a lingering lower body injury that will prevent him from playing for Sweden in the Olympics next month. Coach John Hynes had no timetable for Brodin's return but said he will be back on the ice this season.
The 14th-year veteran was out for the fifth straight game when the Wild hosted the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. He also missed four games in December.
Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk Making Long-Awaited Return
The Wild will still have Eriksson Ek and goalies Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt representing Sweden next month at the Winter Games in Italy.
Apnews
