Middleton (illness) will return to the lineup Sunday against the Capitals, per Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has missed Minneosta's last two contests with an illness. He'll return to a top-paring role alongside Jared Spurgeon. The 27-year-old Middleton has a career high of 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) and a plus-14 rating through 66 games this season.

Middleton (illness) will not play Saturday versus Boston, Joe Smith of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton will miss his second straight game Saturday but could return Sunday versus Washington.The 27-year-old blueliner has two goals, 11 assists, 68 PIM. 95 hits and 124 blocked shots in 66 games.

Middleton (illness) won't be in the lineup for Wednesday's game against St. Louis, per Joe Smith of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton has been doing well recently, with three assists and a plus-6 rating over his last three outings. He has two goals and 13 points in 66 contests in 2022-23. With Middleton not playing Wednesday, Calen Addison will dress for the first time since March 2.

Middleton posted an assist, five PIM and a plus-2 rating in Sunday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton got the assist early, setting up a Mats Zuccarello tally in the first period. In the third, Middleton dropped the gloves with Coyotes winger Lawson Crouse in the fourth fight of the contest. Over his last three games, Middleton has three helpers, but the 27-year-old typically won't produce at such a noticeable rate. He's at 13 points (one shy of his career high) with 124 blocked shots, 95 hits, 71 shots on net, 68 PIM and a plus-14 rating through 66 appearances this season.

Middleton posted two assists and a plus-3 rating in Wednesday's 4-2 win over the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton was strong on both ends in this one, rounding out his line with two blocked shots and two hits. He snapped a six-game point drought with his first multi-point effort of the season, and the stay-at-home defenseman's up to a career-best 12 points this season.

Middleton notched an assist and went plus-2 in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton snapped an eight-game point drought with his first helper in February. The 27-year-old defenseman isn't expected to contribute much offense -- he's a physical presence first and foremost. For the season, he has nine points, 53 shots on goal, 84 hits, 103 blocked shots, 61 PIM and a plus-4 rating through 56 appearances.

Middleton (illness) is expected to be available for Thursday's game against Dallas, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton missed Tuesday's contest against Winnipeg because of the illness. Minnesota bought up Andrej Sustr on Tuesday to serve as an extra defenseman, but the Wild reassigned him Wednesday. Middleton has two goals and six points in 33 contests this season.

Middleton will sit out Tuesday's game against Winnipeg with a non-COVID illness, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton did not make the trip with the Wild to Winnipeg for Tuesday's game. As a result, Minnesota brought up Andrej Sustr from AHL Iowa to serve as an extra. Alex Goligoski is projected to play alongside Jared Spurgeon on Tuesday.

Middleton hasn't recorded a point in his last 13 games.

EDGE Analysis

Middleton had a goal and four points in his first six contests this season, but his offensive production has completely dried up since. The 26-year-old defenseman has never been a significant offensive contributor in the NHL, so it's not surprising that he couldn't build off that hot start. He has made his mark in other ways though, recording 29 PIM, 35 blocks and 30 hits in 19 contests in 2022-23.

Middleton is off to a solid start offensively this season with a goal and three points over four games.

EDGE Analysis

That's quite an uptick given that Middleton recorded just 14 points in 66 games in 2021-22. This strong run isn't expected to last, though. He's not a major offensive force but provides value in other ways. The 26-year-old already has eight blocks and four hits, which are both categories he's expected to make significant contributions to throughout the season.