The Minnesota Wild have put defenceman Jake Middleton on the long-term injured reserve, the team announced Friday.
Middleton sustained a hand injury after blocking a shot from Evan Bouchard during the first period of Thursday's 7-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
The 28-year-old has five goals and eight assists in 28 games this season and leads the league in plus/minus with a plus-22. He is also averaging 20:36 of ice time.
Minnesota (19-6-4) is second in the Central Division with 42 points and next plays host to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday.
In what appears to be a corresponding move, the Wild claimed Travis Dermott off waivers the team announced on Friday. The former Toronto Maple Leaf for the first four years of his career, and most recently an Oiler, was waived by Edmonton less than 24 hours prior.
The 27-year-old made 10 appearances for the Oilers this season, posting a minus-three rating and no points in that span.
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