Olympic Plans Canceled for MN Wild Defenseman

The Minnesota Wild throttled the Toronto Maple Leafs to the tune of a 6-3 victory, Monday night. Things haven’t been as easy as they were immediately after acquiring star defenseman Quinn Hughes, resulting in something of an up and down stretch lately.

Of course, context matters and a rash of recent injuries to top line players have played a major role in this bumpy stretch for the Wild. Among those on the shelf include forwards Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy, along with defenseman Jonas Brodin.

For many of these players, getting right fast is top priority. Not just because the Wild need them, but because all three play for their respective national teams. which are set to take to the ice at the start of February in Milan, for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

MN Wild Jonas Brodin out of Olympics

Unfortunately, Jonas Brodin has lost that race to get back on the ice before February 7. With just a couple of weeks remaining, Michael Russo (The Athletic) reports Tuesday that Brodin will not be healthy enough to help team Sweden next month.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin will miss the Olympics with a lower-body injury, a league source confirmed to The Athletic on Tuesday. Brodin’s timeline for a return to the Wild lineup is six to eight weeks. NHL Olympians are scheduled to leave for Milan on Feb. 7, with the gold-medal game on Feb. 22.

Michael Russo – The Athletic

Brodin has not played since January 12. Although the NHL doesn’t disclose specifics of injuries, his lower-body injury is likely to keep him out until late February or early March, likely after the Olympic tournament is over.

Jonas Brodin has struggled to stay on the ice for most of his career. He played 73 games during the 2021-22 season and hasn’t played in more than 62 games since.

Last season, the 32-year-old defenseman was available for Minnesota in just 50 games. In 42 games this season, the 14-year NHL veteran has scored three goals and added 12 helpers (+13).

More MN Wild talent may miss Olympics

As mentioned, Jonas Brodin isn’t the only Wild forward who is in danger of missing the Olympics for Team Sweden. Centerman Joel Eriksson Ek is also on the IL, though his chances of returning in time are much better than his NHL and national teammate.

Both Minnesota Wild goalies, Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt, will also be featured on Team Sweden. If Ek is not able to go, it could open a pathway for Marcus Johansson to be added. Thus far, the Swedes have not made any roster changes.

“I know all the treatment guys around every team here in the NHL is so good that hopefully they can get them back in shape and go there, If it happens they can’t be there, Sweden’s got a lot of good players in the NHL. We’re going to be just fine.”

Filip Gustavsson – The Athletic

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