Brock Faber, the promising young defenseman, has taken the Minnesota Wild by storm with his impressive rookie season performance. The Wild recognized his potential and dedication by awarding him with an eight-year, $68 million extension, making it the largest extension deal in the history of the franchise.
Faber’s outstanding performance in just 84 NHL games caught the attention of both fans and management. His $8.5 million cap hit, which will kick in starting from the 2025-26 season, will make him the second-highest paid player on the team, behind the star forward Kirill Kaprizov.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin expressed his confidence in Faber’s abilities, stating, “This is a different game now, a different generation, a different way of doing business.” Guerin emphasized the importance of identifying young players as cornerstone pieces for the team’s future, and he believes Faber is worth the risk of a long-term deal.
Faber, at just 21 years old, showcased his skills by scoring eight goals and tallying 47 points in his rookie season. He was a finalist for the Calder Trophy and led the Wild in goals and assists by a defenseman. Hailing from Maple Grove, Minnesota, Faber fulfilled a childhood dream by signing a long-term contract with his hometown team.
Faber expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m just grateful that we can take this step and I get to keep growing, keep learning, keep maturing for a long time here playing in Minnesota.” He added, “Again, I’d argue there’s no one who wanted to play for the Minnesota Wild more than myself, and it worked out that way. And it’s incredible for me and my family.”
The future looks bright for Brock Faber and the Minnesota Wild, as they embark on this long-term partnership that promises success and a strong foundation for the team’s defense.