It was almost three years ago — Jan. 9, 2012, to be exact — that Keith Ballard played in his 500th NHL game. The next 100 took longer than he expected, but the Wild defenseman said Wednesday that the frustrations never have eclipsed the joys.

Ballard skated in his 600th game Wednesday on his 32nd birthday. After missing eight games earlier this season because of the mumps, he has settled back into a role as a calming veteran presence for his home-state team. Wednesday's game was the 54th in a Wild sweater for the former Gopher from Baudette, Minn., who will share Thanksgiving with his family — including his parents and sister — before the team travels to Dallas for a road game Friday.

Over 10 NHL seasons, Ballard has played for four teams. He has been slowed the past few years by an array of injuries, limiting him to 47 or fewer games in each of the past three seasons. Still, he has persevered to become the 10th Minnesota-born defenseman to play in 600 NHL games.

"It's been a little bit frustrating at times, but it's been fun,'' Ballard said. "The last couple years have been tough.

"I have genuine excitement coming to the rink and seeing the guys. That's the fun part about playing, getting to know guys and developing those bonds and close friendships.''

In 10 games this season, Ballard has one assist and has blocked 16 shots. Wild coach Mike Yeo said when the lefthanded defenseman returned from his illness, he helped rebalance a predominantly righthanded defensive corps — and his enthusiasm has been a boost as well.

"His play is one thing, but certainly, his impact has been felt,'' Yeo said. "To hear him talking, to hear him engaged and helping the guys, that's been very valuable.''

Ballard said at this point of his career, he has to pay careful attention to his physical health, getting extra treatment and being mindful of ways he can prevent injuries. After a decade, though, he said he has not lost any of his zest for the game.

"It's gone by fast,'' he said. "When you're young, everyone says, 'Enjoy it. It goes by fast.' These 10 years have gone pretty quickly for me.''

Brodin, Cooke on ice

Defenseman Jonas Brodin, who is recovering from an illness believed to be the mumps, skated on Wednesday and could be ready to rejoin the lineup Friday at Dallas. Yeo said Brodin's conditioning is not quite up to game speed, but he is close.

"He is much, much better,'' Yeo said of Brodin, who has missed seven games. "He looks like a different guy right now.''

Matt Cooke took the ice after the Wild's morning skate Wednesday and is further behind. A hip-flexor injury has cost the winger 13 games, and he is skating without full gear as he takes his first strides toward a return. "At least he's touching the ice,'' Yeo said. "He's got a long ways to go just to get him back up to speed.''

Keep 'em guessing

Heading into Wednesday's game, winger Nino Niederreiter had scored six goals in his past six games. Part of his success, he said, has come from a more aggressive mind-set and his efforts to get better shooting angles.

"I'm trying to get my shot off more and more often during the game,'' said Niederreiter, who leads the Wild with 10 goals. "I'm trying to make sure the goalies don't see the puck when I get it off my stick. That's how you score the goals.''

Etc.

• The Wild resumed selling rush tickets Wednesday. Scattered single seats will be available for $45 at the Xcel box office after the puck drops.

• Actors from the musical "A Christmas Story'' — including those playing brothers Ralphie and Randy — did the "Let's Play Hockey'' pregame chant.