Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin out with lower-body injury

Brodin’s injury was sustained on Feb. 6 against the Arizona Coyotes, Evason recently noted that the injury continues to get aggravated and that the Wild’s medics staff made the recommendation to move the Swedish defenseman to the IR. 

Brodin has recorded 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 49 games this season, he currently ranks second in the Wild in blocks and defensive point shares at 107 and 3.6 respectively. 

The Karlstad, Sweden product signed a seven-year, $42 million extension with the Wild in September 2020; his contract holds an average annual value (AAV) of $6 million.  

Originally selected 10th overall in the 2011 NHL Draft, Brodin has skated in 730 games with the Wild, totaling 46 goals and 164 assists for 210 points. 

Last season, Brodin registered a career-high 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) in 73 games. 

The Wild recently called up Dakota Mermis from their American Hockey League affiliate Iowa Wild. Mermis has registered 24 points (five goals 19 assists) in 46 games, he sits second among defensemen on Iowa for points. He will slot in on the third defensive pairing alongside Calen Addison. 

The 29-year-old signed a two-year, $1.5 million contract with the Wild in 2021 after stints with the Arizona Coyotes and New Jersey Devils. Mermis has a cap hit of $750,000 and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. 

Throughout a six-year NHL career so far, Mermis has suited up for 25 games, registering one goal and three assists. The former Memorial Cup champion will be looking to make his season debut with the Wild.