Top defensive prospect and Minnesota Golden Gophers captain, Brock Faber has signed three year entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild. After losing the NCAA championship in a heartbreaking fashion, the defensive prospect will look to rebound within the Wild organization. After joining the Wild in the Kevin Fiala trade, Faber was named the new captain of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. On a star-studded lineup, he had a good season, with 27 points in 38 games. This comes with his strong defensive plays and leadership which took the Gophers all the way to the NCAA final.
Locked in Brock! ✍️
We've signed defenseman Brock Faber to a three-year, entry level contract. #mnwild
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) April 9, 2023
Faber will be joining the Wild moments before the NHL playoff begins. However, while the 20-year-old defenseman is an interesting defensive prospect and plays a mature game, it’s highly unlikely that he will have an NHL impact this season. At least not without the Wild being hit by several injuries throughout the playoff. It’s far more likely he will get a taste of pro hockey in the AHL. Here the defensive prospect will attempt to help the Iowa Wild make the playoff.
Long-Term Plans for Faber?
Despite having to play the rest of the season in the AHL, it seems almost certain that Faber will play for the Minnesota Wild within the next few seasons. In an interview with Faber to Michael Russo from The Athletic prior to the Frozen Four, it’s stated that the reason Faber was traded to the Wild, was due to how much the Wild wanted Faber. He is a vital part of the long-term plans of the Wild. Something that is especially important for the Wild, as they look to continue the culture change that Bill Guerin has implemented since he took over. With Faber being a Minnesota native from Maple Grove and a lifelong Wild fan, it’s without any doubt that he will do all he can to bring the cup to Minnesota.
He will also be able to learn from one of the best defensive players in hockey, Jonas Brodin. Brodin plays a very similar game to Faber, with a defense-first type of game. He is one of the few defenders who can cover for the best forwards like Conner McDavid and Austin Matthews. Faber might not reach those levels of defensive qualities but will get a mentor to help him fulfill his potential. A potential that might lead to him lifting the cup in his home state of Minnesota.
Main Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
