Ballard (illness) is expected to return Saturday against the Canadiens, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Ballard has been sidelined since Oct. 23 with an unknown illness that required him to take a stint on the disabled list. He practiced Monday and appears to be returned to full health.

Ballard (illness) practiced with the team Monday, Rachel Blount of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Ballard seems to finally be getting over the mysterious illness that warranted a move to IR. He'll still need to be activated before he suits up again, but it looks like he could be in the lineup Tuesday against the Penguins.

Ballard (illness) will not be with the Wild on their upcoming road trip, the Minneapolis Star Tribune's MIchael Russo reports. Minnesota will hit the road for a back-to-back on Monday at the Rangers and Tuesday at Boston before returning home Thursday. That Thursday tilt against the Sharks is the most likely date for Ballard's return.

Ballard (illness) will remain out of the lineup Saturday against the Lightning. Ballard's defensive partner, Christian Folin, also remains under the weather and will be unavailable Saturday. As a result, the duo of Matthew Dumba and Nate Prosser will assume third-pairing duties for the second straight contest.

Ballard (illness) will not be available for Thursday's game against the Coyotes, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Both Ballard and his usual defensive partner (Christian Folin) were feeling sick Thursday morning, prompting coach Mike Yeo to tab Matthew Dumba and Nate Prosser for third-pairing duties. A day out of the lineup should be all Ballard needs to clear up the illness, before a likely return to action Saturday against the Bolts.

Ballard is expected to play Friday against Anaheim, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. It will be Ballard's season debut after he missed the first two games with a lower body injury. However, he may not be active most games with a youth movement on the Wild's blue line.

Ballard (lower body) was a full participant at Monday's practice, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Ballard looks like he'll be healthy enough to make his season debut this coming weekend. He was paired with Matthew Dumba during the session.

Ballard took a shot off his body in practice Tuesday which likely led to him missing practice Wednesday, Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Ballard's reason for missing practice is undisclosed at this point, but it puts his availability for Thursday's regular season opener in question. The 31-year-old blueliner's status will likely be cleared up before Thursday's game, but he may not take the ice even if he's healthy.

Ballard (lower body) is set to return to the lineup in Thursday's preseason match against St. Louis. Ballard may have more competition for a spot in the third pairing than it initially seemed, especially with the Wild grabbing Nate Prosser off waivers on Thursday. Ballard is risky draft pick for a fantasy league right now. He doesn't offer a lot of production and could find himself on the outside looking in.

Ballard left Thursday's exhibition loss to Pittsburgh with what's believed to be a minor lower-body injury, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Luckily Ballard has time to recover for the regular season. We wouldn't expect him to play much in the exhibition season if this is at all serious.