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Wild’s search for a No. 1 center shouldn’t overshadow Joel Eriksson Ek

Playing some of his best hockey to begin the season, Joel Eriksson Ek could become even better if the Minnesota Wild acquire a top-line center.

By Chris Schad · Gone Puck Wild

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 11:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Writer Chris Schad argues the Wild's search for a top center should not overshadow Joel Eriksson Ek's contributions.
Eriksson Ek registered three goals and 10 points across the first 13 games of the 2026-27 season.
The forward has finished in the top 10 of Selke Trophy voting four times throughout his career.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Chris Schad argues that the Minnesota Wild's ongoing pursuit of a top-line center should not diminish Joel Eriksson Ek's vital value to the roster. Through the first 13 games of the 2026-27 season, Eriksson Ek recorded three goals and 10 points while anchoring Minnesota's top offensive units alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.

Schad suggests that acquiring a center like Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin would actually maximize Eriksson Ek's effectiveness by shifting him into a dominant second-line role. Such a move would improve Minnesota's overall scoring depth while capitalizing on Eriksson Ek's strong two-way play and faceoff efficiency.

Read the full article on Gone Puck Wild

Wild’s search for a No. 1 center shouldn’t overshadow Joel Eriksson Ek

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