The Minnesota Wild stand at a crossroads in their hunt to reach the postseason, and everyone is holding their breath for a Marcus Foligno health update. After missing the last three games with an upper-body injury, the veteran winger has been nursing the injury, and concerns are growing over whether he’ll be able to play in a pivotal game against the Dallas Stars.

Foligno was officially ruled out before the March 17 game against the Los Angeles Kings. He has also missed games against Ottawa and Buffalo in that time. He did not play in Saturday’s game, the team stated in an update on that latest but there also has yet to be definitive word on his potential return for tonight’s pivotal game. His current status is day-to-day.

While Foligno hasn’t been scoring of late—ten straight games without a point before the injury—his value to the team cannot be understated. In that span, he had 37 hits and nine blocked shots. On the year, he’s recorded 11 goals, 11 assists, and a whopping 219 hits in 67 games, giving the Wild a physical presence and leadership on and off the ice on a nightly basis. In response to the continued uncertainty, Minnesota recalled forward Liam Öhgren and defenseman Cameron Crotty from the AHL’s Iowa Wild on emergency conditions. That recall suggests a continued need for reinforcements, and it could be a sign that the Wild are preparing to play another game without Foligno.

Fantasy owners and fans are watching closely, especially with so few games left. Though there’s no word he’ll play versus Dallas, the team hasn’t ruled him out. Whether he plays may be a game-time decision depending on how his body responds over the next 48 hours.

Beyond Marcus Foligno, Wild’s playoff race heats up

The timing of this injury is the worst possible. Minnesota is clinging to playoff hopes in a close Western Conference playoff chase. They are 40-25-5 with 85 points and are clinging to a wild-card spot—but barely. There are teams such as Nashville and Los Angeles breathing down their neck, and one bad week would find them out of the chase.

Foligno’s availability would be a game-changer in this final push. While he won’t be shouldering any offensive load, his leadership and defensive solidity give balance to the Wild’s bottom six. He’s also a player who increases his physical engagement in meaningful moments, and that’s something Minnesota will need in this final stretch.

The upcoming game with the Stars is not only a game—it’s a barometer, a chance to stand tall or fall further into uncertainty. A healthy Marcus Foligno might be the kind of stabilizer to tip the balance in such a pivotal game. For the time being, all wait with bated breath for the injury reports. Minnesota is still in the race, but if they’re going to win their playoff spot, they may need every gun they can get—including Foligno, if he’s medically cleared to return.