When he's on the ice, Jonas Brodin remains one of the better defensemen in the NHL.
The problem is that the Minnesota Wild D-man isn't on the ice as much as anyone would like.
Brodin has battled injuries in recent years, which have limited his overall impact on winning. He wasn't quite healthy for the start of this season, either.
The news is good on Brodin, though. He should be back soon.
He underwent upper-body surgery this offseason, and his recovery wasn't quite quick enough for opening night.
Wild coach John Hynes said Thursday that Brodin's return is "imminent," according to the Star Tribune.
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The sooner the better for the Wild.
Now 32 years old, Brodin has played in 853 games in his NHL career. He has 58 goals and 202 assists (260 points), along with 1,491 blocks and 446 hits.
Brodin made it into 50 games last season. The two years prior, he played 62 and 60 games. He's only surpassed 70 games three times in his 13 NHL seasons.
In 2024-25, Brodin totaled 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in his 50 games with 104 blocked shots.
He's entering his 14th season with the Wild, who drafted him No. 10 overall in the 2011 draft out of Sweden.
At this point, Brodin is as much of a stalwart for Minnesota is anyone, but the Wild would certainly prefer his persistent injury narrative quiet down a little bit and just let him get on the ice and do his job, sooner rather than later.
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