Middleton scored a goal and blocked six shots in Saturday's 5-4 shootout loss to the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton's goal Saturday was his first of the season. He's added two assists in eight games since he returned from an upper-body injury. The shutdown defenseman is at nine points, 28 shots on net, 51 hits, 52 blocked shots, 44 PIM and a plus-1 rating through 36 appearances this season. Given the depth on the Wild's currently healthy blue line, Middleton is likely to see mostly third-pairing usage for the foreseeable future.

Middleton posted an assist and two PIM in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton missed five games with an upper-body injury. Since he exited the lineup following a Dec. 8 injury versus the Kraken, the Wild bolstered their blue line with the Quinn Hughes trade. That likely means Middleton will be confined to the third pairing moving forward, limiting his already low fantasy upside. The defenseman is at just seven assists with 22 shots on net, 43 hits, 43 blocked shots, 37 PIM and a plus-2 rating over 29 appearances. Middleton is likely to miss the 20-point mark for the first time in three years.

Middleton (upper body) was activated off injured reserve on Saturday, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old sat out five games after he was hurt in Seattle on Dec. 8. The blueliner had six assists, 42 hits, 43 blocked shots and 35 PIM in 28 games prior to getting injured.

Middleton (upper body) will start skating Wednesday, Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton's already missed four games and is in line to miss at least one more, as he's not expected to travel to Columbus on Thursday. The 29-year-old blueliner will need to be activated from injured reserve once he's ready to return.

Middleton (upper body) was placed on injured reserve Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton suffered the injury Monday in Seattle in the third period and did not return. He has six assists, 35 PIM, 42 hits and 43 blocked shots across 28 appearances this season. The Wild realled Matt Kiersted from AHL Iowa in a corresponding move.

Middleton (undisclosed) was forced out of Monday's 4-1 win in Seattle, and there was no update on his status postgame, according to Sarah McLellan of The Minnesota Star Tribune.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton logged an assist and one blocked shot in 16:34 of ice time before exiting the game. Considering head coach John Hynes didn't have any information on the blueliner's status going forward, Middleton should be considered questionable, at best, for Thursday's divisional matchup versus Dallas.

Middleton picked up an assist with a plus-2 rating in Saturday's 2-0 win over the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran blueliner missed the prior two games due to an illness, but Middleton slotted back in on the second pairing Saturday alongside Jared Spurgeon and fed Matt Boldy for an empty-netter late in the third period. Middleton has just two points, both assists, in 17 games this season, but he's also contributed 29 blocked shots, 26 hits, 26 PIM, 14 shots on net and a minus-1 rating.

Middleton (illness) is good to play Saturday versus Anaheim, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton was initially considered doubtful for the game, but it seems he'll be in the lineup after all. He's projected to serve on the second pairing alongside Jared Spurgeon. Middleton has an assist, 26 hits and 29 blocks in 16 appearances this year.

Middleton (illness) is not expected to play in Saturday's home game versus Anaheim, per Michael Russo of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has missed the Wild's previous two games due to the injury. Look for David Jiricek to remain in the lineup. Middleton is without a point in 12 games this season.

Middleton (illness) is considered a game-time decision for Saturday's matchup against the Ducks, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has missed Minnesota's last two games due to an illness. Head coach John Hynes said Friday that Middleton is still dealing with some effects of the illness, so the team's medical staff will evaluate him further Saturday before determining his status against Anaheim. If Middleton is unable to play, David Jiricek will likely remain in the lineup for a third consecutive game.