Joel Eriksson Ek Lands on Injured Reserve with Lower-Body Injury

Joel Eriksson Ek has been placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, as reported by Michael Russo of The Athletic. His placement is retroactive to January 8, allowing for a quicker return once healthy. However, he is expected to miss Saturday's game against Buffalo. The Minnesota Wild center has recorded 11 goals and 32 points in 45 appearances during the 2025-26 season. The Wild also placed Matt Boldy on IR, calling up Hunter Haight and Nicolas Aube-Kubel from the minors.