Joel Eriksson Ek Injury Update: Timeline of Minnesota Wild forward's recovery

Minnesota Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 6, 2023. The injury occurred in the second period when he blocked a shot by Evgeni Malkin and was forced to leave the game.

The extent of Eriksson Ek's injury is still unknown, but the team has announced that he is week-to-week and his return date is uncertain. The team is expected to release more information on the injury and his expected recovery timeline in the coming days.

Joel Eriksson Ek has been a key player for the Wild this season, with 23 goals and 61 points in 78 games. He is considered the team's best center, and his absence could significantly impact their playoff hopes.

If Eriksson Ek is unable to return for the playoffs, it would be a huge blow to the Wild, who are hoping to make a deep run this year. The team is already dealing with injuries to several key players, and losing Eriksson Ek would make their task even more difficult.

As of now, it's unclear when Joel Eriksson Ek will be able to return to the lineup. The team will likely provide updates on his status as more information becomes available.

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Joel Eriksson Ek's Journey to the NHL and Impact on the Minnesota Wild

Joel Eriksson Ek is a Swedish professional ice hockey center who currently plays for the Minnesota Wild in the NHL. He was born on January 29, 1997, and was drafted 20th overall by the Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Eriksson Ek started his professional career playing for Färjestad BK in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) during the 2014-15 season. He signed a three-year contract with the team and was later recognized as one of the top international skaters in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

In July 2015, Eriksson Ek signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Wild. He made his NHL debut in October 2016, scoring his first goal in the same game. However, due to a decrease in ice time, he was reassigned back to Färjestad BK in November 2016. He was later recalled by the Wild during the 2017-18 season and broke a 50-game goal drought in February 2018.

In August 2019, the Wild re-signed Eriksson Ek to a two-year contract extension worth $2.975 million. In July 2021, he signed an eight-year, $42 million contract extension with the team.

Joel Eriksson Ek's family has a strong hockey background. His father, Clas Eriksson, played with Färjestad BK for 13 seasons. Meanwhile, his brother, Olle Eriksson Ek, was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and currently plays for the San Diego Gulls in the AHL.