The Minnesota Wild received encouraging signs on Friday as Joel Eriksson Ek returned to the ice and gave himself a chance to re-enter the lineup for Game 3 against the Colorado Avalanche. The center, who has missed the first two games of the second-round series because of a lower-body injury, skated before practice and then took a limited role once teammates joined the session.
Eriksson Ek did not participate in line rushes or special teams work, but his presence around the team stood out after he had not skated for eight days. Head coach John Hynes said a return on Saturday night is possible, though no final decision has been made.
Encouraging steps in practice
Hynes called the session a positive sign and said the plan was for Eriksson Ek to skate on his own first and then work into practice in a controlled way. He added that the next step depends on how the player responds after the skate and whether he feels ready to contribute.
“I thought he looked good out there,” Hynes said. “So that was certainly encouraging.” The coach also made it clear that there is still uncertainty, saying there is “a potential” for Eriksson Ek to play but that the answer likely will not come until game time.
Why Eriksson Ek matters so much
Eriksson Ek fills a major role for Minnesota when healthy. He usually centers Marcus Johansson and Matt Boldy, works as the net-front presence on the top power-play unit, and is the first forward over the boards on the penalty kill.
Those responsibilities have been difficult to replace, especially with the Wild trailing 0-2 in the series. His two-way play, faceoff ability, and work in high-traffic areas have made him one of the team’s most important players in playoff matchups.
Boldy said the team was glad to see him back around the ice. “He’s a warrior,” Boldy said. “We know that. So, yeah, it’s great to see him out there, and, you know, we’ll see what happens.”
A decision that will come down to the player
Hynes said the medical staff will weigh in, but the final call will largely rest with Eriksson Ek himself. The coach explained that players returning from injury often have to decide whether they can truly perform the role the team needs or whether it is better to wait.
That approach is especially important in the playoffs, when teams want to avoid losing a player mid-game after a premature return. Hynes said those conversations usually center on whether the player is ready to handle game demands, not just whether he can skate.
The Wild have already seen a reminder of how tricky that can be. In 2023, Eriksson Ek returned too soon after a lower-leg injury and lasted only 19 seconds before exiting again, though Hynes was not coaching the team at that time.
Other lineup updates for Minnesota
Minnesota also had other injury-related developments on Friday. Defenseman Zach Bogosian joined practice and remains a possibility for Game 3 after sitting out Game 2 with a lower-body injury. Right winger Mats Zuccarello missed practice because he was sick, but Hynes said he expects him to play.
Defenseman Jonas Brodin is still not expected to be available for Saturday, according to Hynes. The coach also said he already knows who will start in goal between Jesper Wallstedt and Filip Gustavsson, although he has not yet informed the player.
Eriksson Ek’s status remains the biggest question for the Wild, and his availability could affect both their forward depth and special teams as they try to extend the series against Colorado. His next response after the skate will likely shape whether Minnesota gets a key reinforcements boost in Game 3.