Jeff Petry Replaces Brodin for Wild in Game 6 Against Stars

jeff petry entered the Minnesota Wild lineup for Game 6 against the Dallas Stars on Thursday, replacing Jonas Brodin after the defenseman was ruled out with a lower-body injury. Minnesota led the best-of-7 series 3-2 and was one victory from reaching the second round for the first time since 2015.

Petry Joins Bogosian

Petry skated on Minnesota's third defense pair with Zach Bogosian after sitting out the first five games of the series as a healthy scratch. Jake Middleton moved up to take Brodin's place on the second pair with Jared Spurgeon.

Before Game 6, Petry said, "It's an opportunity for me to step in and make an impact" and added, "Just make sure that everything is off a strong defensive game and building that from there." He also called it "an exciting opportunity."

Brodin Leaves Game 5

Brodin was hurt early in the second period of Minnesota's 4-2 win in Game 5 on Tuesday after blocking a shot by Mikko Rantanen. He left at 1:44 of the second period and did not return, and he had one assist while averaging 19:41 of ice time per game in the series.

John Hynes said Brodin was day to day. Petry said, "I know 'Brods' is a big part and no one wants to see him go down," and called the change "bittersweet for that circumstance."

Sturm Returns for Minnesota

Minnesota made another lineup change, bringing Nico Sturm back and scratching Bobby Brink. Sturm centered the fourth line between Nick Foligno and Marcus Foligno after playing in Games 3 and 4 in place of Yakov Trenin, then sitting out Game 5 when Trenin returned.

Sturm said, "I think I put myself in a good spot, but I understand that the coaches have to make decisions that go beyond just one player," and added that embracing a depth role helps his headspace late in the year. He finished with one assist and had 20:20 total ice time across 13 regular-season games.

For Petry, the assignment is direct: help protect a lead in an elimination game after arriving in a trade with the Florida Panthers on March 5 and appearing in nine regular-season games for Minnesota. He has 13 points in 48 career NHL postseason games, and this was his first postseason game since July 7, 2021.