Minnesota Wild Send Top Prospects Back Down to Iowa Amid Joel Eriksson Ek Injury Concern
On Tuesday, the Minnesota Wild made some roster moves that absolutely hurt the immediate future of the team, placing both Jonas Brodin and Mats Zuccarello on Injured Reserve. The corresponding moves yesterday, however, shined a light on one of the NHL’s best farm systems, when they recalled top prospects forward Liam Ohgren and goalie Jesper Wallstedt.
Then, the Wild went out and won again, their second-straight overtime victory, this time over the Vancouver Canucks. In doing so, they notched their 38th point of the season, placing them all alone at the top of the NHL Standings.
Minnesota Wild reassign Liam Ohgren, Jesper Wallstedt to AHL Iowa
To celebrate the victory, president of hockey operations Bill Guerin reassigned both top prospects right back down to Iowa, after they were on the NHL roster for approximately 24 hours. This isn’t a surprise, as this move was originally described as “paper move” for cap gymnastics purposes.
The #mnwild has reassigned forward Liam Ohgren and goaltender Jesper Wallstedt to the @IAWild.
— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) December 4, 2024
Let’s be real, Jesper Wallstedt isn’t playing well enough in Iowa, to warrant a legitimate call-up to Minnesota. He’s carrying a brutal 4.34 goals against average and a .860 save percentage, through 10 games down in Iowa. Ohgren has scored lots of goals (5) and collected 6 total points, in 8 games since being relegated to the AHL. But, he’ still touting a -3 goal differential, when on the ice.
Concerns over Joel Eriksson Ek injury
The Minnesota Wild do not hit the ice again until Friday, vs the Anaheim Ducks, and there is concern over an injury sustained by Joel Eriksson Ek on Tuesday, when he was cross-checked in the lower back during the 3rd period of their win over Vancouver.
The Wild’s No. 1 center returned to the game momentarily, but he was clearly affected by the dirty shot. Then, he reportedly “clanked knees” with Jake DeBrusk during his first shift of overtime, and didn’t return. According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), there is growing concern that Ek will miss Friday’s game. Hopefully, that’s worst-case scenario.
#mnwild reassign Liam Ohgren and Jesper Wallstedt. Drops them back down below ceiling but doesn’t change LTIR capture if needed. Obviously they’re assessing Eriksson Ek’s injury and may need to recall a forward tonight. They’re also hoping Jakub Lauko is close to returning
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 4, 2024
On the season, Joel Eriksson Ek has racked up 13 points in 22 games played for the Minnesota Wild this season. His +10 goal differential ranks 4th on the team, behind only Kirill Kaprizov (+19), Jake Middleton (+18) and Brock Faber (+12).
Related: Minnesota Wild Trade 1st Round Pick for Top NHL-Ready Defenseman
The 27-year-old Eriksson Ek is one of the key pieces to what the Wild want to do on both sides of the ice. Let’s hope this injury is more short-term than what Zuccy and Brodin are dealing with on injured reserve.
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