Minnesota Wild’s Joel Eriksson Ek placed on injured reserve after injury in practice
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Wild placed forward Joel Eriksson Ek on injured reserve after he picked up an injury in practice on Monday.
The centerman must miss at least seven days, which includes four games for the Wild, but could be out longer, according to The Athletic’s Michael Russo. The Wild face the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night on home ice.
In a corresponding move, Jakub Lauko will likely be activated from the IR and take up a spot on the Wild’s active NHL roster.
The earliest Eriksson Ek could return to the Wild’s roster is March 3, and he could play in the game against the Seattle Kraken on March 4.
After rejoining his NHL team from 4 Nations Face-Off duty with Team Sweden, Eriksson Ek posted an assist in Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Red Wings in 18:28 of ice time.
Through 42 games in 2024-25, the 28-year-old has nine goals and 24 points. Already, he has missed 15 games for the Wild this season, including the hockey club’s final game ahead of the break, an eventual 6-3 win over the New York Islanders.
While playing for Sweden, Eriksson Ek scored a goal against Team Canada and an assist against Team Finland.
🇸🇪SWEDEN GOAL🇸🇪
Joel Eriksson Ek ties the game for Sweden.
🎥: Sportsnet | NHL#Canada #Sweden pic.twitter.com/5IEISz3nj8
Lauko has not played an NHL game since a 3-0 loss to the Boston Bruins on Feb. 4 but has two goals and five points through 33 appearances with the Wild this season. In 116 career NHL games, the 24-year-old Czech forward has eight goals and 22 points.
At the 57-game mark, the Wild sit third in the NHL’s Central Division on 72 points, with a record of 34-19-4.
In addition to Tuesday’s second straight matchup with Detroit, the Wild take on the Utah Hockey Club, Colorado Avalanche and Bruins over the next week.