The Minnesota Wild has been dealt another blow with Joel Eriksson Ek, a vital cog in their offensive wheel, being listed on the injured reserve. The unfortunate incident occurred during Monday’s practice where Eriksson Ek succumbed to a lower-body injury. He is currently evaluated on a week-to-week basis, magnifying the uncertainty surrounding his return.
At 28 years old, Eriksson Ek has been a key figure for the Wild but has been plagued by injuries throughout the current season. This latest setback only adds to the woes of a team grappling with a shortage of forwards. Eriksson Ek has been restricted to just 42 games this season due to recurring injuries, during which he has racked up 24 points, courtesy of his nine goals and 15 assists. However, his absence has been felt in the 15 games he has missed thus far.
Tuesday brought about a glimmer of hope for the Wild as they reinstated forward Jakub Lauko from the injured reserve. However, the team is still grappling with the absence of Kirill Kaprizov, who has been out of action for the better part of the last two months. Adding to the mismatched puzzle is Ryan Hartman, who is currently serving the fourth game of his eight-game suspension.
The Wild currently occupies the third spot in the Central Division, trailing the second-place Dallas Stars by a mere four points. Despite the setbacks, they have managed to maintain a competitive stance, entering Tuesday’s play with a fighting spirit and a resolve to overcome their challenges.
The recent spate of injuries, coupled with suspensions, has presented a testing time for the Wild. As they navigate through these turbulent waters, the team is eager to get back its key players and regain its full strength. The return of Eriksson Ek will undoubtedly be a significant boost, but the timeline of his recovery remains a looming question.