Joel Eriksson Ek Placed on Injured Reserve

The Minnesota Wild have placed center Joel Eriksson Ek on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during overtime against the Vancouver Canucks, marking a significant loss for the team as they currently lead the NHL with 38 points. Eriksson Ek, tied for sixth on the team with 13 points this season, joins other key players like Jonas Brodin and Mats Zuccarello, who are also on injured reserve. His injury is particularly concerning as he has dealt with multiple injuries this season, including a broken nose and a leg injury earlier on. While general manager Bill Guerin has indicated that Eriksson Ek's absence is not expected to be long-term, the team will need younger players to step up in his absence. The Wild face a challenging schedule ahead, starting with games against the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings. Despite the injuries, the Wild have maintained a strong performance on the ice so far this season.