The Minnesota Wild are facing another setback as their first-line center, Joel Eriksson Ek, has landed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. The team announced on Tuesday that his status is officially week-to-week, leaving fans and analysts speculating about when he might return to the ice. This news couldn’t have come at a worse time for the already banged-up Wild, who are fighting to maintain their position in the Central Division standings.
Head coach John Hynes revealed that Eriksson Ek started feeling discomfort following Monday’s practice. While the exact severity of the injury is still being assessed, Hynes didn’t sugarcoat the situation, stating that the ninth-year player would be out for “a few weeks, for sure.” Given Eriksson Ek’s critical role in the team’s offense, his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
To make matters worse, this is just the latest in a string of injuries plaguing the Wild. Star left winger Kirill Kaprizov, who underwent surgery on January 31 for a lingering lower-body issue, was missing his 20th game in the last 23 matchups as of Tuesday. While the Wild had initially hoped for a quicker return, the team announced this week that Kaprizov will be sidelined longer than expected. That’s a significant blow, considering his elite scoring ability and game-changing presence.
Meanwhile, the Wild are also navigating Ryan Hartman’s absence, as the center is currently serving an eight-game suspension for roughing. He’s set to return next week, but until then, the team is missing another key contributor. With Eriksson Ek now out as well, the Wild’s depth will be put to the test.
Despite the challenges, coach Hynes remains optimistic, emphasizing the team’s resilience. “You can only control what you can control, and we’ve shown this year that we have a next-man-up mentality,” he said. That mindset has been crucial for the Wild, as they’ve had to adjust their lineup multiple times this season due to injuries and suspensions.
Eriksson Ek had been on a strong run before this latest setback. Last season, he posted career-high numbers with 30 goals and 64 points, proving to be an integral part of Minnesota’s offensive core. This year, however, he’s already missed 15 games due to various injuries, and his current stint on the sidelines will add to that total.
To help fill the void, forward Jakub Lauko has been activated from injury and will take Eriksson Ek’s spot on the roster. While Lauko may not bring the same level of production, his return does provide the Wild with some reinforcements as they navigate this tough stretch.
With the playoffs inching closer, the Wild will need to find a way to weather the storm and keep pace in the Central Division. Losing Eriksson Ek and Kaprizov at the same time is a massive challenge, but this season has already proven that adversity is nothing new for Minnesota. The next few weeks will be a true test of their depth and determination.
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