Hughes and Faber Are Redefining the Wild’s Blue Line - and Igniting a New Offensive Identity
ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Minnesota Wild are finding their offensive spark in an unexpected place - the blue line. And it’s not just a pleasant surprise; it’s becoming a full-blown identity shift.
Since Quinn Hughes arrived and was paired with Brock Faber, the Wild haven’t just improved - they’ve transformed. What used to be a team that leaned on its forwards to generate chances is now being driven by a dynamic defensive duo that’s turning zone exits into scoring opportunities and tempo into a weapon.
Let’s start with the numbers, because they tell a clear story. Since Hughes joined the lineup, the Wild have gone 15-5-5.
They lead the NHL in goals over that span with 96 and sit second in power-play efficiency at 29.9%. That’s not a coincidence - that’s a blueprint coming together.
Hughes has been every bit the catalyst. In just 25 games, he’s racked up 32 points, including 29 assists - the most in the NHL since mid-December.
He’s added 12 power-play points to that total, but the real value goes beyond the stat sheet. His skating, puck control, and vision have completely changed how Minnesota moves the puck out of its own end.
He’s not just a defenseman - he’s a one-man breakout.
“All eyes are on him when he gets the puck,” said Faber. “So when I get it, I feel like I have so much more time.
And that's just what superstars have. They create that space, that calm.”
That space has allowed Faber to elevate his own game. He’s not forcing offense or stepping outside his identity - he’s growing within it.
With Hughes by his side, Faber has 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) in 25 games. He’s now tied for fourth among defensemen in goals and seventh in points over that stretch.
And it’s not just about the numbers. It’s about the way the game looks when they’re on the ice.
The Wild’s transition game has gone from reactive to proactive. Hughes draws forecheckers out of position with his skating, opening up time and space for Faber to make plays without rushing.
That freedom has allowed Faber to jump into the play more naturally, with confidence and purpose.
“He’s a one-man breakout,” Faber said. “Every time there’s a forechecker on him, he’s able to shimmy shake out of it and make a play.
That’s so fun to play with. Makes my job so easy.”
Head coach John Hynes has seen the shift too - not just in how Faber is playing, but in how he’s thinking the game.
“The speed with which he’s playing - mentally and physically - has elevated,” Hynes said. “He’s processing plays quicker.
If it’s a D-to-D pass in the offensive zone, he already knows what he’s going to do with it before it gets to him. He’s catching it in stride and staying in motion.”
That anticipation is what separates good defensemen from great ones. And when you pair two players who can both read the game at that level, you get something special.
Together, Hughes and Faber have been on the ice for 33 goals in just 25 games. That’s eighth in the NHL among D-pairs - and every pair ahead of them has played at least 20 more games together. When you adjust for time on ice, they lead the league in goals for per game and goals for per 60 minutes, according to MoneyPuck.
It’s not just a hot streak. It’s a foundational shift.
What started as a promising experiment has quickly become a cornerstone of Minnesota’s game plan. The Hughes-Faber pairing isn’t just helping the Wild survive tough matchups - it’s helping them control them. They’re dictating pace, tilting the ice, and giving Minnesota a new identity that starts from the back and flows forward.
And if this is what the Wild look like with their blue line leading the charge, it’s time for the rest of the league to take notice.