Gustafsson-Nyberg (undisclosed) won't play in Saturday's preseason contest against the Blackhawks, per Dylan Loucks of The Hockey News.
Head coach John Hynes said Gustafsson-Nyberg was dealing with soreness and wanted to test it out during Saturday's morning skate, but the 22-year-old blueliner left the ice early. Gustafsson-Nyberg made his NHL debut in the 2025-26 campaign after posting 11 points in 38 games at the University of Connecticut. The towering six-foot-six defenseman has a high ceiling, but will likely need at least one full season with AHL Iowa before he's a regular for Minnesota. Assuming he recovers quickly, he could still get a chance to battle for an NHL roster spot.