Minnesota signed Stanley Cup-winning center Nico Sturm in a homecoming move because of his prowess in the faceoff circle. Unfortunately he’s already hurt and that is expected to linger for more than a month.

The Wild have struggled with faceoffs for a while now, and it could cost top superstars Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.

Center play may cost Minnesota Wild their top line

Two games isn’t enough of a sample size to suggest that the wild have a problem at center. It has been evident going back to last year too though, and that’s specifically why Sturm was acquired. The Athletic’s Michael Russo and Joe Smith have highlighted a lack of draw power being something that could break up the top line.

Coach John Hynes acknowledged that the coaches are already discussing how to handle the situation, but it’s a good bet he’ll shuffle things up at Monday’s morning skate before playing the Kings.

But on the road, this could become an issue, so while Hynes probably doesn’t want to separate Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy after they combined for six points in two games, he may have to spread things around.
“That’s something that we talked a little bit about and felt that a little bit in the game tonight,” Hynes said. “Whether that’s splitting that (second) line up or trying some different combinations there, it’s something we’ll look at.”

The Athletic

The Minnesota Wild’s second line, featuring Marcus Foligno, Joel Eriksson Ek, and Vladimir Tarasenko, has no points. Despite Tarasenko shining during the preseason, he has been non-existent. Splitting up Kaprizov and Boldy could be a way to help the two different centers create.

“I couldn’t really get any rhythm going today,” said Ek, who won 7 of 21 (33 percent). “So look at it and see what I can do better, (like) just timing with the ref and all that stuff.”

Hynes said Ek and Rossi “have to be better,” but added that “faceoffs are a big part of the centermen, yes, but I also think there’s a lot of 50-50 pucks, too, in the faceoff circle that your wings and your D also have to help and touch the puck first.

The Athletic

Winning faceoffs controls the ice and puts an offense immediately in motion. Eriksson Ek and Marco Rossi have not been good enough there. They also may need more of a star power focus split between them in order to find success in space.

MN Wild stars making it look too easy

Through just two games, both Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy have six points with two goals. To say they have gotten out of the gate quickly would be putting it lightly, and that’s great news for Karpizov after signing his massive extension. It’s looked so easy, in fact, that they may have left some production on the table.

They’ve been so good, you still feel they’ve left some offense on the ice with their 17 combined shots.

Buium is enjoying the view from his spot on the No. 1 power play.

“It’s incredible,” Buium said. “I mean, I think you never are confused if they don’t pass to you. Like Bolds was holding it on that five-on-three, but you know he’s holding it for a reason, and you know he’s gonna do something. We don’t know exactly what, but you know something is gonna happen.

“So I think for me, it’s like, I trust those guys more than I trust myself. So trying to put them in good spots.”

The Athletic

If this is the level to which Boldy and Kaprizov are feeling it, you’d probably welcome them putting more pucks towards the net. It’s great that they are working in such tandem with one another, and that makes any idea of splitting them up that much more difficult.

KAPRIZOV 2-2 pic.twitter.com/Axsr8basqN

— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) October 12, 2025

Ultimately general manager Bill Guerin may need to address his lack of depth and faceoff winning prowess outside of the organization. Sturm missing more than a month isn’t something you can just shy away from. Accepting less than the best you can get from your stars isn’t a strategy either.

We haven’t heard a peep from Jack Eichel (0 goals, 1 assist, 11 shots) yet. Meanwhile, Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy have combined for 8 goals and 6 assists. The only players on roster who have produced at nearly the same rate as those two bona fide Wild stars has been Marco Rossi.

Minnesota Wild refuse to believe in Marco Rossi

The 23-year-old former top 10 pick has a MUCH different role than Kaprizov and Boldy, however. Rossi’s two goals are fourth-most for Minnesota this postseason, behind only Kaprizov (4), Boldy (4) and Foligno (3). His three points are tied for fourth most and he has a +2 +/-.

But while Kaprizov and Boldy are averaging over 22 and 24 minutes of TOI through the first four games, respectively, Marco Rossi is buried on the Minnesota Wild’s fourth line, averaging less than half of those guys’ ice time (10:53 TOI).

After Saturday’s OT loss at home, a lot of fans were hoping to see Rossi’s role expanded for game five. Unfortunately, when practice started on Monday morning, there was Marco Rossi, centering the 4th line between Yakov Trenin and Justin Brazeau.

#mnwild lines w Eriksson Ek not skating*

Kaprizov-Shore*-Boldy
Johansson-Hartman-Zuccarello
Foligno-Gaudreau-Nyquist
Trenin-Rossi-Brazeau

Brodin-Faber
Middleton-Spurgeon
Merrill-Bogosian

Extras

Buium-Chisholm
Ohgren, Hinostroza, likely Shore if he’s a placeholder for Ek

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 28, 2025

It’s not like Marco Rossi’s point production during these playoffs is a surprise. He and Matt Boldy single-handedly kept the Minnesota Wild afloat this season, as the rest of the roster crumbled from injury, around them. Rossi finished the 2024-25 regular season 3rd on the team in goals (24) and 2nd in both assists (36) and points (60).

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Wild in Dominant Game Three Win Over Vegas

Yet, for whatever reason, John Hynes and Bill Guerin refuse to give Marco Rossi his chance at stardom, or anywhere near the type of respect they show their top (or even) mid-line skaters. And as of now, that doesn’t look like it will change anytime soon.

Minnesota Wild injury updates prior to game 5

Marco Rossi’s status on the fourth line wasn’t the only notable takeaway from Monday’s lines at practice. Joel Eriksson Ek didn’t skate, after he blocked a shot late in game four.

Fortunately, Hynes informed gathered media members after practice Monday that Ekker’s absence was nothing more than a rest (or maintenance) day. The Minnesota Wild expect their top-line centerman, and the heart/soul of their team, to take his usual place in the middle of the first line on Tuesday night, in Vegas.

More good news: Marcus Johansson skated on Monday and could return to the MN Wild lineup in game five, as well. Johansson served as the left wing on Minnesota’s second line this morning at practice. Johansson missed game four due to a lower body injury he suffered in the third period of game three.

Marcus Johansson practicing today for #mnwild. Missed Game 4 with an LBI

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 28, 2025

Zeev Buium on the shelf in Vegas?

Marco Rossi might not be the only Minnesota Wild youngster who could continue to see a reduced role, as the playoffs role forward. After being benched for the entire overtime in game four, the No. 2 overall prospect in all of hockey, Zeev Buium, was not skating on any of the Wild’s three defensive pairings Monday morning.

After playing in all four of Minnesota’s 2025 playoff games so far, it appears Buium is likely to be replaced by Jon Merrill in game five. Merrill has yet to be active during this postseason. Zeev Buium is a -1 so far in the 2025 NHL Playoffs, with one assist and an average of 12:36 TOI.

Hynes said he hasn’t made any final decisions on d-pairings but it is being considered to give Zeev a breather #mnwild

— Jessi Pierce (@jessi_pierce) April 28, 2025

Liam Ohgren travelling with MN Wild

Finally, let’s end on a positive note. Also on Monday, the Minnesota Wild called up top prospect Liam Ohgren from their “Black Aces” playoff practice squad, and will travel with the team to Vegas for game 5. For now, he isn’t expected to be active, but he is just one injury away from finding the postseason ice in this series.

Looks like Merrill makes his series debut tomorrow for Buium. Eriksson Ek maintenance. Ohgren traveling to Vegas

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 28, 2025

Then, on February 22, they lost Joel Eriksson Ek to a lower body injury later revealed as a broken bone in his leg. From there, the season went into a full-on tailspin. Suddenly, the same Wild team that was battling with the Winnipeg Jets atop the West when Kaprizov was first injured back in late December – early January, is only four points from falling out of the 2025 NHL Playoffs entirely.

Minnesota Wild expecting Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek back vs Sharks

But guess what… according to Michael Russo (The Athletic), Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are expected to play Wednesday night vs the San Jose Sharks, as long as everything goes well during this morning’s team skate.

BIG #mnwild NEWS: Hearing if today’s morning skate goes well, BOTH Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek may return tonight against the #sjsharks.

This would necessitate some roster moves from the Wild (Shore, Gaunce back to Iowa, I believe)

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 9, 2025

Kirill Kaprizov, once the front-runner for the Hart Trophy this season, and Joel Eriksson Ek, arguably the Minnesota Wild’s most irreplaceable player, could both return after long absences Wednesday night when the Wild host the San Jose Sharks.

As long as everything goes well in Wednesday’s morning skate, both players are expected to play, multiple NHL sources tell The Athletic.

Michael Russo – The Athletic

Related: Minnesota Wild Get Some Good News on Jake Middleton

As noted by Russo, Kirill Kaprizov was the favorite to win The Hart Trophy (NHL MVP) prior to his injury, which required surgery following an attempted return to the ice in late January that only lasted three games. How good was Kaprizov before he left the lineup?

Wild’s best reinforcements inbound…?

Well, he is still ranked 3rd on the Minnesota Wild in goals (23) and 3rd on the team in points (52). The only two players ahead of him in both categories, Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy, have both played all 78 games this season. Kirill has played just 37.

Kirill Kaprizov: 43 points in 27 games 🤭 pic.twitter.com/gu1uzc0JpX

— NHL (@NHL) December 11, 2024

Unlike Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek has never been about the numbers. Still, the Wild were starting to get used to the 60 points he’s provided in each of the last two seasons. In 42 games played this season, the other injured MN Wild assistant captain has potted just 9 goals and 15 assists.

If he can’t notch one more goal in the last four games, it’ll be the first season Ekker hasn’t reached double-digit goals since the 2019-2020 season, when he scored 8 goals in 62 games. But whether he is putting pucks in the net or not, Eriksson Ek remains the heart and soul of this Minnesota Wild team and I expect that to show, should he and Kaprizov return to the ice, as expected.

If that’s where they end up after all 82 games are said and done, the Wild would likely match up against the No. 1 seed Winnipeg Jets. If they can wrestle the No. 1 wild card back from the red hot Blues, they’ll have a much more intriguing first round opponent, in the Vegas Golden Knights (98 points).

Unfortunately for the Minnesota Wild, winning has become quite the chore lately. Kirill Kaprizov has missed all but three games on the schedule since Christmas. The Wild are 20-18-2 since that win over Chicago on December 23. Joel Eriksson Ek, meanwhile, has been out since February 22. The Wild are 7-9-2 since he departed the lineup.

When can we expect Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek back in MN Wild lineup?

So, when can we expect them to return? Michael Russo (The Athletic) gave updates on both Eriksson Ek and Kaprizov Wednesday afternoon. Kaprizov — who started skating again last week — had a recent checkup on his lower body injury that left he and the MN Wild feeling optimistic. Per Russo, Kirill is advancing to the next stages of his return, though we do not know exactly what those stages entail.

What we do know is that he’s unlikely to be in the lineup Sunday, when his teammates return home from their road trip for an afternoon matinee at Xcel Energy Center vs the Central Division rival Dallas Stars. There are seven games remaining on the Wild’s 2024-25 schedule. After that Stars game, they’ll be down to four.

Kirill Kaprizov had a positive checkup with his surgeon yesterday and will go into the next phase of his attempted comeback: contact. Date of return still up in the air but John Hynes doesn’t anticipate Sunday’s game vs. Dallas (1/2)

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 2, 2025

Without Kirill Kaprizov, the MN Wild have somehow found a way t play .500 hockey over the past three-plus months. But without both Kirill and Ekker, they aren’t even that. The Wild need both guys if they want any realistic chance of advancing out of the first round of the NHL Playoffs. which being in only seven games, advancing out of the first round will be quite the chore. If they don’t get Kirill Kaprizov back, any dreams of advancement are dead.

Related: Minnesota Wild Trade Acquisition Now Done for Season

According to Russo’s report, Kirill is farther along than his fellow assistant captain, Joel Eriksson Ek, who is entering the sixth week of his 6-8 week return timeline. While Ek is skating with Kaprizov and skating coach Andy Ness, it appears he is less likely to return by the playoffs than Kirill.

For the first time, John Hynes confirmed what we’ve previously reported and that’s Joel Eriksson Ek was a 6-8 week injury. This is week 6, so his return date also up in the air

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) April 2, 2025

This is mixed news for the Minnesota Wild. Even the optimistic reporting on Kaprizov does not guarantee he returns in time. Russo calling it an “attempt” was very intentional. Still, his continued progression toward a return is better than the alternative. For Joel Eriksson Ek, we have to keep our fingers crossed.

Despite playing just 37 games this season, Kaprizov was on a Hart Trophy-type of pace before his injury. He’s still one of the Wild’s point leaders, with 52 points, pouring in 23 goals and assisting on 29 others. In 42 games, Eriksson Ek has scored nine goals and contributed 15 assists.

The problem for John Hynes’ team is two-fold. They had a need to add talent at the deadline given the vast amount of injuries that turned the locker room into an infirmary. Unfortunately, they could not add that talent due to salary cap restrictions.

With more absences continuing, previously acquired defenseman David Jiricek could have been an option in recent days. Unfortunately, a trip down to Iowa immediately coincided with a scary season-ending injury. If they are going to squeak into the playoffs, they’ll need the return of key stars Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek soon.

Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek eyeing Minnesota Wild return

The Minnesota Wild have been without Joel Eirksson Ek since February 22nd. And, Kirill Kaprizov last played on January 26. The tandem has combined to play just 42 and 37 games respectively this season. Minnesota is already through their 74th game, and have just eight games left.

After a home loss to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, things are getting dire for the Wild. They need some reinforcements and they need them soon. The Athletic’s Michael Russo brought some good news during Sunday’s practice as both players participated.

Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek practicing with full team today. Kaprizov’s first time since January, Eriksson Ek the first time since that fateful practice after the 4 Nations last month. Both expected to travel today. As of now, #mnwild saying they won’t play on trip.…

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 30, 2025

Zuccarello leaving practice was just maintenance, Hynes says. He still doesn’t anticipate Eriksson Ek or Kaprizov to play on trip. Still haven’t had contact. Kaprizov drs. appt is a checkup with his surgeon to get updated timeframe, not necessarily medical clearance to return

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 30, 2025

There is nothing definitive to suggest that either Erksson Ek or Kaprizov will play immediately, but it’s clear they are nearing a return. Of course the runway for them to compete during the regular season is running out. The road trip of which Russo speaks encompasses a game Monday in New Jersey, Wednesday in New York against the Rangers, and Friday against the Islanders. Where the Wild stand in the Wild Card race could certainly play a factor in the return.

If Karpizov and Eriksson Ek are cleared to return following the three game swing, Minnesota has five games left. That stretch starts with a contest against Dallas next Sunday. Three of their final five games are at home.

Minnesota is tied with St. Louis for a wild card spot but has a game in hand. Vancouver and Calgary are trying to chase them down with 81 and 80 points respectively. They have played less games at 73 and 72 games each.

Wild need lineup boost to finish strong

Despite playing just 37 games this season, Kaprizov was on a Hart Trophy-type of pace before his injury. He had poured in 23 goals and had 29 assists to his credit. It was thought that the 4 Nations Face-Off may provide him some additional time to heal while not missing games. Unfortunately, the severity of his injury has made that a moot point.

Minnesota goal!

Scored by Kirill Kaprizov with 13:05 remaining in the 1st period.

Assisted by Matt Boldy and Joel Eriksson Ek.

Buffalo: 0
Minnesota: 1#MINvsBUF #SabreHood #mnwild pic.twitter.com/T6w5itajNj

— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) November 28, 2024

Kaprizov is seeking a new contract this offseason. With yet another injury-marred year, he has certainly cost himself some dollars on the bottom line. The Wild will still need to break the bank, but to what extent that looks like is uncertain.

Related: Minnesota Wild Trade Acquisition Now Done for Season

Although Eriksson Ek is not the same tier of star as Kaprizov, he has proven to be such a key cog over his nine years with Minnesota. He brings grit, toughness, and a sizable net presence. In 42 games this season, Eriksson Ek has scored nine goals and contributed 15 assists.

Per Hynes, Kirill checking in w/his doc in NY will give a lot of clarity on return: "I don’t know what the doctor’s going to say. Doctor may say, he looks good and as soon as he feels good, get him in some contact and he can play. Or it’s going to be on a timeline. I don’t know."

— Jessi Pierce (@jessi_pierce) March 30, 2025

The Minnesota Wild need Kaprizov’s surgeon to provide clearance before he can play. Getting him and Eriksson Ek back around the same time would be a huge boost to this team. They have done everything they can to stay afloat despite their injuries, and now they could be a team to reckon with in the playoffs.

Entering tonight’s game vs the Vegas Golden Knights — which is the second half of a back-to-back; the Wild lost 3-0 to the Stars on Sunday night — Minnesota had just 11 games remaining on their schedule. The Western Conference playoff picture seems to get cloudier every day that ticks by.

Minnesota Wild waiting semi-patiently for the NHL Playoffs

At 85 points, the MN Wild — currently the No. 1 wild card in the West — sit just four points up on the St. Louis Blues (81 points), who have been surging up the standings the past two weeks, now hold the second and final West wild card spot, at 81 points. Right behind them, at 78 and 77 points respectively, are the Canucks and Flames.

In other words, when it comes to the Wild’s chances of making the NHL Playoffs, the games cannot go by quickly enough. Why, because they need to get their best players back from injury. Ironically though, injuries are the same reason why Wild fans would like to push back the start of the playoffs as long as possible.

If the Minnesota Wild enter the 2025 NHL Playoffs without Kirill Kaprizov and/or Joel Eriksson Ek — both of whom have been out for weeks dealing with lower body injuries — then this team doesn’t stand a chance come playoffs anyway.

Related: MN Wild Top Defenseman Back Out with Injury

Hopefully, the Wild can find a way to pull out a win on Monday, in order to right their playoff ship and hold off their oncoming Wild Card competitors. But no matter what happens during tonight’s contest, it was an overall good day in St. Paul.

Good news Wild injury updates: Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin

Not only did Jonas Brodin return to the lineup tonight, after missing his second game back on the active roster, coming off his own extended injury absence, but MN Wild head coach John Hynes also told gathered media members at Xcel Energy Center that both Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek are expected to start skating again this week.

Jonas Brodin playing tonight #mnwild.

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 25, 2025

Hynes indicates Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek will begin skating in the next few days

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) March 25, 2025

For those who have been paying attention, the Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek news shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. Over the weekend, Michael Russo (The Athletic) reported on KFAN Radio that both top-line forwards were expected to being skating this week. Nonetheless, it’s good to see the head coach confirm that report.

Wild desperately need Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek back

Before his injury, Kirill Kaprizov was playing the best hockey of his impressive young NHL career. In only 37 games, Kirill the Thrill potted 23 goals and assisted on 29 more. In fact, the nearly 28-year-old winger was the betting favorite to win the Hart Trophy, which would have made him the first-ever Wild player to win NHL MVP.

Through 42 games this season, Joel Eriksson Ek has amassed totaled 9 goals and 14 assists (25 points), with 19:38 TOI. This, off of the two most productive seasons of his the 28-year-old’s NHL career, where he scored 64 points last season and 61 points in 2022-23.

Related: Wild Division Rival Weirdly Obsessed with Minnesota at NHL Trade Deadline

Whether he is potting goals or not, Ek is the heart and soul of the Wild. He isn’t Kirill Kaprizov, but outside of the Russian superstar, there may not be another player in the Minnesota Wild organization that means more to winning games right now.

Jonas Brodin — who has played over 80 games just once in his NHL career (2018-19) — enters tonight’s re-started return with 18 total points on the season, which tracks with past years, even when the Swede was young and at his physical best.

After Sunday’s 1-0 win, the MN Wild are now 2-3 since the break, as they try their best to keep the 2024-25 ship afloat, as they await the return of superstar Kirill Kaprizov from the lower-body injury.

Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek expected back for Wild

According to the most recent reports out of The Athletic, the MN Wild are expecting Kaprizov back from Long Term Injured Reserve before the end of the regular season. In addition, they believe the injury Joel Eriksson Ek suffered in practice last week will not require LTIR.

Kirill Kaprizov is expected to be activated off long-term injured reserve before the end of the season, and the Wild hope to avoid putting Eriksson Ek on LTIR, so general manager Bill Guerin won’t have unlimited — or any — cap space in advance of Friday’s NHL trade deadline. That means anything done the rest of the week must be a “penny in, penny out” hockey trade.

The Athletic

This is all very good news for president of hockey operations Bill Guerin, head coach John Hynes and the rest of the Wild organization. Not only was Kirill Kaprizov leading the Minnesota Wild in both goals and assists, when he exited the lineup for the first time, right before Christmas, but he was a betting favorite to win the Hart Trophy.

Related: Minnesota Wild Trade for Semi-Familiar Face

On the season, Kaprizov has totaled 23 goals, which still leads the team, even after missing 24 games. His 29 assists rank third, behind only Matt Boldy and Marco Rossi. Kirill’s 52 points are tied with Matt Boldy for most on the team too. And let’s not discount the eventual return of Joel Eriksson Ek, either.

Minnesota Wild looking at a quiet NHL trade deadline

Ek is the heart and soul of the Minnesota Wild, and a constant nuisance for opponents. But the return of these two stars also means that Bill Guerin & Co will probably remain rather quiet at the upcoming NHL trade deadline, according to The Athletic, especially after dealing for Gustav Nyquist last week.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Wild are likely done making moves by Friday’s trade deadline. They’ve got no cap space, especially after Saturday’s deal for Gustav Nyquist. So unless there’s a legitimate hockey trade — dollar in, dollar out — to be made, it could be a pretty boring rest of the week.

Joe Smith – The Athletic

Meanwhile, the MN Wild are 34-19-4 (72 points) and fighting to stay out of the Western Conference wild card conversation. They enter tonight’s interleague matchup vs Detroit as the 3rd and final Central Division playoff team in the West, four points ahead of the Colorado Avalanche (68 points), who hold the No. 1 wild card spot in the West.

Minnesota Wild lose Joel Eriksson Ek to practice injury

Unfortunately, news broke Tuesday morning that the Wild will play tonight without assistant captain and notorious instigator, Joel Eriksson Ek, after he suffered an injury at practice on Monday. It’s just the latest horrible luck injury this team has dealt with in 2024-25. According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), the 28-year-old Swede is going on injured reserve, where he is obligated to miss at least the next four games.

BAD #mnwild NEWS: Center Joel Eriksson Ek was injured in practice yesterday and has been placed on injured reserve. Must miss at least 7 days (next 4 games), but I hear he's going to be out a lot longer. Jakub Lauko will likely be activated off IR and replace him on roster

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 25, 2025

The Minnesota Wild defeated the Red Wings on Saturday despite Ryan Hartman serving a suspension, superstar Kirill Kaprizov nursing a lower-body injury (that only gets worse with time) and the rest of their best players — including Joel Eriksson Ek — fresh off a return from the 4 Nations Face-Off.

It wasn’t an easy win, either. The Wild had to storm back from a three-goal 3rd period road deficit to steal an overtime victory from the jaws of defeat at Little Caesars Arena, along with two much-needed points.

What are Wild missing without Eriksson Ek in the lineup?

Tonight, they’ll try for two more and they’ll have to do it without one of their leaders and arguably the heart and soul of their locker room. Joel Eriksson Ek has already missed 15 games this season due to injury. In the 42 games he has played, he’s amassed 9 goals and 14 assists (25 points) averaging 19:38 TOI.

Related: Ryan Hartman Suspension Shortened After Appeal

We’ve seen Ek take a huge step in his development over the last few seasons. After maxing out at 30 points through his first five NHL seasons, he potted 26 goals (49 points) in 2021-22, then pushed his point total all the way to 61 in 2022-23.

Last year was Ek’s first 30 goal season. He also posted a career high 64 points. When on the ice, he has been just as effective in 2024-25, but staying on the ice has been a chore for Ek, just like it has been for many of his teammates.

Joel Eriksson Ek back for the Minnesota Wild

On Sunday against the Ottawa Senators, John Hynes gets a boost to his lineup. After missing 11 games, center Joel Eriksson Ek is back and ready to rock. The Minnesota Wild went just 5-6 in games without their center.

Joel Eriksson Ek has been activated off injured reserve. Means he’s aiming to play for the first time in 12 games tonight when Ottawa visits Xcel Energy Center. #mnwild went 5-6 without him

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 29, 2024

Ek suffered a lower body injury on December third when he collided with Vancouver Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk. In 22 games this season, Eriksson Ek has scored five games and put up 13 points. He has a positive ten plus/minus. His 19:06 average time on ice is the second-highest tally of his career.

Joel Eriksson Ek ROOFS it off a slick pass from Kirill Kaprizov! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wvYlmlYnT2

— NHL (@NHL) November 2, 2024

Marco Rossi has stepped up for the Wild in Ek’s absence, but there has been uncertainty as to his place on the team. Bill Guerin recently suggested he’s not looking to trade his young center, and more production with Ek’s return to the lineup could substantiate that belief.

Related: Minnesota Wild Say They are No Longer Interested in Trading Blossoming Young Center

The Minnesota Wild will have Filip Gustavsson in net on Sunday. He is making his third start after an absence in the middle of December. Gustavsson recorded victories against both Chicago and Dallas.

Unfortunately the Wild will still be without Marcus Johansson, although he skated Sunday. Kirill Kaprizov is likely to be out of the lineup for another game or two.

Related: Wild Superstar Kirill Kaprizov Injured, Not Traveling with Team

With 48 points through their first 36 games, the Minnesota Wild can reach the half-century mark on Sunday. They would join the Winnipeg Jets, New Jersey Devils, and Vegas Golden Knights as teams to get there.

Now, they are losers of four-straight, and five of their last seven, which has pushed the Wild down to third place in the West, where they sit 5 points behind Central Division rival, Winnipeg, who destroyed Minnesota 6-0, over the weekend.

Minnesota Wild injury updates: Filip Gustavsson and Yakov Trenin back — Joel Eriksson Ek still out

But there is some good injury news coming out of St. Paul, to start the week. On Monday, one day after reassigning Jesper Wallstedt back to Iowa, the Minnesota Wild announced that Yakov Trenin was being activated off of injured reserve.

Meanwhile, Michael Russo (The Athletic) reports that Filip Gustavsson is expected to start in net tonight vs the Chicago Blackhawks. The 27-year-old former 2nd round pick has missed the past five games with a mysterious lower-body injury.

The #mnwild has activated forward Yakov Trenin from Injured Reserve.

— Minnesota Wild PR (@mnwildPR) December 23, 2024

Since Fleury worked with the scratches, looks like Gus returns tonight https://t.co/qb5UrrdtAG

— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) December 23, 2024

Unfortunately, the update on center Joel Eriksson Ek — who has been out of the lineup since December 3, when he suffered a lower-body injury of his own vs the Vancouver Canucks — was not as positive. He’ll miss tonight’s game vs the Chicago Blackhawks. According to Michael Russo (The Athletic), the Minnesota Wild are hoping to get Ek back on Friday vs the Dallas.

Since Gus Bus has been out with injury, the Wild are 1-4-0 and they’ve allowed 3.4 goals per game, including two losses where they allowed five or more pucks into the net. How drastically will that change, now that he is back? Tonight is a good game to test the waters, vs one of the worst teams in the NHL, before a much more difficult matchup on Friday vs the Stars.

Related: Multiple Financial Firms Bidding for Minnesota Wild Arena Naming Rights

Yakov Trenin, who was signed by the Minnesota Wild this offseason, has played in 29 games. He’s scored two goals and helped on one more. He’s averaging 13:37 minutes of ice time per game (+4). Eriksson Ek, on the other hand, is desperately missed. Prior to his injury, the 27-year-old was averaging 19:06 TOI. The assistant captain has potted 5 goals on the season and assisted on 8 others.