Bad news for the Minnesota Wild as they’ll be down two of their best defensemen Thursday night against the Calgary Flames.
Already without Jonas Brodin, who is going to be significant time and was seen wearing a cast on his right arm earlier this week, Minnesota has ruled out Jared Spurgeon for Thursday’s game in St. Paul. Spurgeon is dealing with a lower-body injury and is considered day to day.
Dakota Mermis will suit up and play in his place. But even with Brock Faber developing into one of the best defensemen in the NHL, the loss of Brodin and Spurgeon is painful.
As Wild television announcer Anthony LaPanta pointed out in a post on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, losing both accounts for more than 47 minutes of ice time per game, including nearly seven minutes on the penalty kill. It also strips the roster of more than four blocks and 0.69 points per game.
Wild without top two defensemen tonight.
No Brodin, no Spurgeon
Missing per game:
47:13 of ice time
6:55 of PK ice time
4.3 blocks
0.69 pointsThe two are combined +13
Huge hole to fill!@mnwild v Flames tonight on @BallySportsNOR
— Anthony LaPanta (@AnthonyLaPanta) December 14, 2023
Minnesota has been off since shutting out Seattle on Sunday night. The Wild are 5-2-0 since coach Dean Evason was fired and replaced by John Hynes.
