Dec 3, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) checks Vancouver Canucks defenseman Noah Juulsen (47) during the third period at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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Joel Eriksson Ek to Return for Wild Against Senators

Minnesota's top center activated from injured reserve as the Wild face Ottawa.

After beginning the season with a 17-4-4 record over their initial 25 games, the Minnesota Wild have faced difficulties recently, posting a 5-6-0 record in their past 11. Minnesota required a significant lift and will receive one with the activation of top center Joel Eriksson Ek from the injured reserve list.

Minnesota’s decline from the top of the Central Division is closely linked to Eriksson Ek’s absence. Apart from Marco Rossi, the team had difficulty identifying an appropriate answer in the center during Eriksson Ek’s absence. The young player has almost been a point-per-game contributor in Eriksson Ek’s absence, registering five goals and nine points over the last 11 games, yet the Wild lack another genuine top-six center option after him.

Eriksson Ek’s goal production has decreased this season when fit, netting five goals and 13 points in 22 games. That 0.59 point-per-game average is almost one-third lower than he has been generating in Minnesota over the past few years. Nonetheless, Eriksson Ek has delivered a strong performance in the faceoff circle and is quite accountable on the defensive end of the ice.

“I think we hit each other’s knees, So yeah, just an unlucky play. …It’s never fun sitting out, not playing. Just happy to be able to skate and get back on the ice.” : Eriksson Ek said.

NHL Buzz: Eriksson Ek to return from injury for Wild against Senators https://t.co/XrOayXJcd2
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) December 29, 2024

The recent injury may impede Eriksson Ek’s chances of winning his first Selke Trophy since he can only participate in a maximum of 68 games this season. He has placed in the top 10 of Selke votes for the past four years and was recording the highest on-ice save percentage of his career prior to experiencing the lower-body injury.

Also Read: Auston Matthews Misses Capitals Game Due to Upper-Body Injury

Eriksson Ek’s nonattendance also sparked several significant inquiries for the Wild. It has shown that Minnesota is deficient in depth at center, which must be addressed if they wish to contend in the challenging Central Division as the season progresses. The ongoing buyout penalties for Zach Parise and Ryan Suter restrict Minnesota to around $2MM in cap space as the deadline approaches, complicating their situation further.

Nevertheless, the Wild might swap away some salary from their roster, like Zach Bogosian or Jonathon Merrill, and bring in a player with a contract, considering that the buyout penalties for Parise and Suter will effectively conclude after this season. Minnesota has traded their first-round pick this season in the deal that acquired David Jiříček for the organization, which will serve as another limiting factor as the deadline approaches.

Image Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Joel Eriksson Ek

Minnesota Wild

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

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