Joel Eriksson Ek hadn’t played since Feb. 22. Yet, in their long-awaited returns, both reminded everyone just what the Wild have been missing these past several weeks.

PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Wild first-line center Joel Eriksson Ek was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday with a lower-body injury, and the team announced his status as week-to-week.

For Joel Eriksson Ek, we have to keep our fingers crossed. Despite playing just 37 games this season, Kaprizov was on a Hart Trophy-type of pace before his injury.

But this gives the Wild flexibility to clear space once Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek return and Zeev Buium is signed — Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 30, 2025 ...

Detroit Red Wings goaltender Cam Talbot (39) stops a Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) shot in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Detroit.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Wild first-line center Joel Eriksson Ek was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday with a lower-body injury, and the team announced his status as week-to-week. Eriksson ...