Home / Sports / Brodin's Surgery: A Tough Olympic Choice
Brodin's Surgery: A Tough Olympic Choice
2 Feb
Summary
- Jonas Brodin chose surgery over Olympics due to injury.
- Many NHL players face risks playing through injuries.
- Wild has eight players heading to the Milan Olympics.
Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin has undergone surgery for a nagging lower-body injury, forcing him to withdraw from the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics. The decision, described as "unselfish" by teammate Brock Faber, means Brodin will miss an estimated six to eight weeks, jeopardizing what was likely his final opportunity to compete in the Olympics at age 32.
Brodin's situation underscores a broader dilemma for NHL players: the potential conflict between playing for their country and ensuring their fitness for their NHL teams. Several players, including Matthew Tkachuk and Joel Eriksson Ek, have previously dealt with injuries aggravated by international play.
As many as eight Wild players are slated to participate in the Olympics, prompting coach John Hynes to proactively plan for their post-tournament return. This includes developing practice strategies to manage potential fatigue and monitor player health upon their return to the NHL.
Despite the risks, the allure of the Olympics remains strong for players, with many viewing it as a career-defining opportunity. The NHL's trade freeze is set to begin on February 2, 2026, and will last until February 22, 2026, with players returning to their teams at various points thereafter.
