Top 25 Minnesota Wild players 25-years-old or younger; No. 11 Joel Eriksson Ek
The second best prospect in the Minnesota Wild organization is 2015 first round draft pick Joel Eriksson Ek. He has first line center potential, but at the very least will be an NHL forward.
There are very few prospects that possess a high ceiling and floor. Joel Eriksson Ek appears to be one of those special talents.
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The 6-foot-2-inch, 198-pound center fell through the cracks a bit leading up to his draft year. He quickly rose into first round status as the season wore on. The Minnesota Wild will benefit from his late rise.
The Wild have not developed an elite or top line center in the history of the franchise. They believe could Eriksson Ek could finally be that guy.
He recorded nine goals and six assists in 41 games while playing in Sweden’s elite league. He did not get the minutes nor playing time to learn how to play in key situations.
A Swedish report surfaced earlier in the offseason that said the 19-year-old was going to play another season in Sweden. The report said that the Wild planned on keeping at home this season.
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At the team’s pre-draft press conference, both general manager Chuck Fletcher and assistant Brent Flahr denied most of the report. Both said, they want him in training camp competing for a roster spot in September. Because he has signed his entry level contract with the Wild, it is the Wild that decide where he will play this season.
Given his role and playing time last season for Farjestads, it may be more beneficial for him to play in Iowa, if he does not make the Wild roster. He needs to play a top-player role and he, although Fletcher believes otherwise, may not get that in Sweden.
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Regardless of where Eriksson Ek begins and finishes next season, he has the chance to be something special. He can dominate the game at both ends of the ice. He is not flashy nor spectacular offensive player, but he knows how to get open and how to handle the puck in traffic.
Dobber Prospects agrees that playing Sweden could more harmful for his development if doesn’t get the ice time. They say he is an “intelligent two-way pivot with top line abilities who shows responsibility on both sides of the puck.”
Hockey’s Future also believes Eriksson Ek has a top-line future. They describe him as a “sniper with a hard, heavy shot who can create scoring chances.”