Biography

BIOGRAPHY

Joel Eriksson Ek was born January 29, 1997 in Karlstad, Sweden. He is a center in the National Hockey League.

Eriksson was drafted 20th overall by the Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. During his rookie SHL season in 2014–15, Eriksson Ek was extended on a first team contract for a further three-years with Färjestad BK on 12 January 2015. He was seen as one of the top ten international skaters for the 2015 NHL Entry Draft according to the NHL Central Scouting Bureau before he was selected by the Wild in the first round. On 13 July 2015, Eriksson Ek signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild. On 22 October 2016, Eriksson Ek made his NHL debut and scored his first goal. After compiling five points in his first four games, Eriksson Ek saw his ice time diminish and in order to preserve his entry-level deal he was re-assigned back to Färjestad BK on 17 November 2016. During the 2017–18 NHL season, Eriksson Ek was called up to the NHL on 6 December 2017. After going 50 games without a goal, he broke his drought in a game against the New York Islanders on 19 February 2018. On 21 August 2019, the Wild re-signed Eriksson Ek to a two-year, $2.975 million contract extension. On 2 July 2021, Eriksson Ek signed an eight-year, $42 million contract extension with the Wild.