NHL players face early-season injuries

The 2026-27 NHL season has commenced with several notable player injuries affecting key rosters. Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber is out indefinitely following a skull fracture sustained during a preseason game against the Dallas Stars. In his absence, captain Jared Spurgeon is expected to take over his role on the top defensive pair.

In Pittsburgh, winger Bryan Rust has been placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury and is currently considered week-to-week. Additionally, Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is expected to be sidelined for approximately two weeks due to a lower-body injury, causing him to miss the team's home opener against Vancouver.