Middleton (bruise) took part in Monday's practice session, John Shipley of The Pioneer Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton looks to be on track to play in the season opener against the Jackets on Thursday. If the defenseman does suffer a setback in his recovery, Declan Chisholm would likely see the biggest uptick in ice time while Jon Merrill would move into a third-pairing role. Offensively, Middleton remains somewhat limited even after his career-best 2023-24 in which he posted seven goals and 18 helpers.

Middleton (bruise) will not play Friday in Chicago, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton should be ready for Opening Night on Oct. 10 versus Columbus. He had seven goals and 18 assists in 80 regular-season games in 2023-24, setting career-highs in both categories. Look for a similar type season in 2024-25.

Middleton is day-to-day while he heals from a bruise, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton's injury is not expected to be serious. The 28-year-old is coming off the most productive season of his NHL career -- the left-shot blueliner notched 25 points in 80 regular-season contests in 2023-24. Middleton earned a raise as a result, signing a four-year contract extension with Minnesota in July.

Middleton signed a four-year, $17.4 million contract extension with Minnesota on Monday, per Darren Dreger of TSN.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has one more season left on his three-year, $7.35 million deal. He accounted for seven goals, 25 points, 85 shots on net, 77 PIM, 161 blocked shots and 147 hits over 80 regular-season contests in 2023-24. Middleton will likely continue to see top-pairing minutes for the Wild in the upcoming campaign.

Middleton logged an assist in Monday's 3-1 win over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has a helper in each of the last two games following an eight-game point drought. The 28-year-old defenseman is up to 24 points through 79 outings, by far the best season of his career. He's added 145 hits, 158 blocked shots, 84 shots on net and PIM, though his minus-16 rating is one negative mark on an otherwise solid campaign for a stay-at-home blueliner.

Middleton notched an assist in Saturday's 6-2 win over the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton snapped an eight-game point drought with the helper on a Matt Boldy goal in the first period. The 28-year-old Middleton has enjoyed a career year with 23 points, 84 shots on net, 157 blocked shots, 144 hits, 77 PIM and a minus-16 rating. He remains a fixture in a top-four role, though his usage is exclusively defensive in nature.

Middleton (upper body) will return to the lineup Sunday against Nashville, according to Michael Russo of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton will be back alongside Brock Faber on the top pairing following a two-game absence. The 28-year-old Middleton has 20 points, 70 PIM, 69 shots on goal, 130 blocked shots and 127 hits over 62 games this season. Dakota Mermis will be a healthy scratch Sunday because of Middleton's return.

Middleton (upper body) is not in Friday's lineup against Colorado, per the NHL's media site.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has now missed the last two games, though it appears to be a minor issue considering he was a game-time decision versus the Avalanche. The 28-year-old could return as early as Sunday against Nashville.

Middleton (upper body) won't play Thursday versus the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton will miss his first game of the season while tending to the injury. The 28-year-old defenseman has a career-high 20 points with 127 hits and 130 blocked shots over 62 outings this season. Dakota Mermis will take Middleton's place in the lineup.

Middleton posted an assist and three shots on goal in Saturday's 5-2 win over the Kraken.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has turned things around with a helper in each of the last two contests to break out of a 10-game slump. The tough defenseman had the secondary assist on Marcus Johansson's first-period marker. Middleton is up to 20 points, 64 shots on net, 119 hits, 121 blocked shots and a minus-8 rating through 58 appearances. Aside from the ugly plus-minus, he's on track for career-best marks across the board.