Yeah, the good times just keep on rolling for the Minnesota Wild eight weeks into what has been an exciting season. I’ll be the first one to say that they’ve shocked me, as I was convinced this would be a throwaway season that may or may not contain a star player named Kirill Kaprizov, who’s so far been beyond dominant.
Hart Trophy candidate? Hey, I wouldn’t put it past someone who leads the league with 39 points alongside a plus-19 rating. Overall, Kaprizov has been a huge reason behind Minnesota’s ongoing success, and if he stays healthy, the seasoned veteran isn’t going anywhere soon. In fact, the Wild will be buyers when 2024 fades into 2025, and they’ll be talking playoffs.
That said, Kaprizov isn’t the player I want to talk to you about today. Instead, let’s give some credit to Joel Eriksson Ek, whose playmaking has been on full display lately. Eriksson Ek has five goals and 13 points this season, which are rather modest numbers, and he hasn’t found the net in a while.
But still, four assists in the last four games, all of which having occurred in close, one-goal contests should have Wild fans knowing their team can turn to him when the stakes are high. Further, he’s been doing his part defensively, clocking in a plus-5 rating in those past five matchups, driving home just how valuable he’s been in all three zones.
Joel Eriksson Ek has been heating up for the Minnesota Wild at the right time
As previously mentioned, I didn’t see much happening with the Wild this season, especially if I would have foreseen Eriksson Ek on pace to dip lower on the productivity scale. That has been the case so far. But, if Eriksson Ek is heating up with the Wild on track to be the best team in hockey in 2024-25 if they stay consistent, then what will this team look like if he’s playing his best hockey?
Yeah, that’s something I want you to think about if his playmaking keeps going at the epic pace that it’s been lately. Of course, the likes of Brock Faber, Marco Rossi, Matt Boldy, and Kirill Kaprizov must keep holding up their respective ends of the deal, but things will get interesting should Eriksson Ek officially join the party.
So, Wild fans, how far will the league’s best team jump ahead of the pack with Eriksson Ek seemingly looking like the 60-plus-point player he’s been over the past two seasons? Right now, it’s a mystery, but one that looks as though optimism is more than on the Wild’s side.