Young prospect Liam Öhgren and veteran Devin Shore join the Wild roster to boost depth and performance.
The Minnesota Wild have jumped ahead of the curve, recalling forwards Liam Ohgren and Devin Shore from their AHL affiliate, the Iowa Wild, as confirmed by the AHL transactions page. The Wild needed reinforcements up front, especially with several key players missing.
The Wild were expected to recall these two, given the team’s current situation. Injuries to Kirill Kaprizov and Jakub Lauko, along with Ryan Hartman serving the final stretch of his 10-game suspension, have left the team with a thinner forward lineup.
Neither Ohgren nor Shore has been a standout player for Minnesota this season, but both have contributed with regular appearances. Ohgren, in his 19 games with the Wild, has registered one goal and four points, averaging just over 11 minutes of ice time. The 2022 19th overall pick is close to securing his rookie status.
Shore, who has mostly occupied a fourth-line spot, has posted one goal and three points across 34 games. This season, Shore has averaged 8:28 of ice time per game. Before the start of the 4 Nations Face-Off, Minnesota placed him on waivers, which provided the team with added roster flexibility for the time ahead.
Also Read: Team USA Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of 4 Nations Face-Off Final Against Canada
Sweden’s Joel Eriksson-Ek stood out at the 4 Nations Face-Off, showcasing why the Minnesota Wild should be excited about his potential. While the tournament saw multiple Wild players participating, it was Eriksson-Ek’s performance that truly grabbed attention.
As one of Sweden’s most reliable forwards, Eriksson-Ek’s leadership on the ice was evident in the team’s final game against the U.S., even without contributing a point. His impact was undeniable as he helped Sweden secure a 2-1 victory. Eriksson-Ek’s physicality and net-front presence, which have long been key parts of his game, were pivotal in creating the screen that led to the game-winning goal.
Standing 6’3″ and weighing 210 pounds, Eriksson-Ek is a nightmare for opposing goalies. His ability to establish himself in front of the crease, screening the goalie and redirecting shots, has made him an invaluable asset for Sweden. His net-front presence during the second goal against Team USA helped Jesper Bratt’s wrist shot sneak past American goaltender Jake Oettinger.
Eriksson-Ek’s contributions weren’t limited to his offensive positioning. His two-way play was just as critical, earning him increasing ice time as the tournament progressed. From 17 minutes in the opening game against Canada to nearly 23 minutes in the final match, his ability to contribute at both ends of the ice was essential to Sweden’s success.
As the NHL season nears its final stretch, Eriksson-Ek will aim to carry over the momentum from his stellar performance at the 4 Nations Face-Off. If he continues playing with this level of dominance, the Minnesota Wild could be a serious threat in the closing months of the season.
Image Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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