Minnesota Wild News

Middleton left Tuesday's game with an upper-body injury and did not return after being hit from behind by Givani Smith. Marc-Edouard Vlasic will replace him in Buffalo.

Middleton was hurt in the first period of Tuesday's loss in Detroit after being hit from behind by Givani Smith. Smith was given a game misconduct for the hit but it looks like it could cost Middleton more time. Mario Ferraro will be back in the lineup on Thursday and would be Middleton's replacement if he's unavailable.

The Wild desperately missed Brodin and Jared Spurgeon in the Winter Classic, so getting Brodin back for Thursday's game will be a huge addition. Brodin heads into Thursday's game with seven points (1G / 6A) in his last 10 games.

Boldy was the No.12 overall pick in 2019 and has had a nice start to his AHL season. After posing 18 points (6G / 12A) in 14 games last year, Boldy has 10 points (4G / 6A) in 10 games with Iowa this season. He is expected to make his NHL debut on Thursday.

Rossi was the No.9 overall pick in 2020 and has been outstanding in his professional season. The 20-year-old has scored seven goals with 16 assists (23 points) in 21 games with Iowa this season. Rossi is expected to make his NHL debut on Thursday.

There was some optimism that Brodin would be activated ahead of tonight's game but that will not be the case. Calen Addison will suit up to replace Brodin.

Both Eriksson Ek and Jared Spurgeon were already ruled out for the Winter Classic and head coach Dean Evason announced Thursday that both are expected to miss multiple weeks. With Eriksson Ek out, Frederick Gaudreau will move up in between Marcus Foligno and Kevin Fiala.

Both Spurgeon and Joel Eriksson Ek were already ruled out for the Winter Classic and head coach Dean Evason announced Thursday that both are expected to miss multiple weeks. With Jonas Brodin also on the COVID-19 protocol list, Calen Addison could get a look in the Winter Classic.

Boyd will come out of the Coyotes lineup in San Jose and how this changes their lines is anybody's guess. Expect Johan Larsson to move up into the top-6 with Boyd out.

Eriksson Ek suffered an upper-body injury when he was sent hard into the boards by Stars defenseman Jani Hakanpaa last Monday night. It's unclear how long he'll be sidelined but he will not be available for the Winter Classic vs. the Blues.

Spurgeon has been dealing with a nagging lower-body injury since last month. He missed eight games, returned to the lineup and reaggravated the injury on the last homestand. It's unclear how long he'll be out but he will not play in the Winter Classic vs. St. Louis.

Fleury went into protocol as Calvin de Haan was activated. Collin Delia was recalled from Rockford (AHL) to take Fleury's spot on the roster. The veteran netminder will likely be out until the middle of next week.

Spurgeon will be out until after the Christmas break and could be out long-term. Head coach Dean Evason said that "it's not short-term" so expect a more detailed timetable after the teams return from the Holiday break.