Prospect Info: Joel Eriksson Ek (C) - 20th Overall, 2015

[TaLoN]

It's a lot easier to lay out 17 year old juniors than it is 25-30 year old NHLers.

Of course it is... but even in his first year in the NHL he started out laying a few hits and getting under the oppositions skin in the process... now he rarely if ever even tries.

That's a sign of being directed NOT to do so.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

I think you're assuming quite a bit.

 

[MMC]

How's he doing? Always thought he was a bit of a reach at 20.

 

[Nharris31]

How's he doing? Always thought he was a bit of a reach at 20.

@avappleyard
Top 'junior' PPG in SHL 15-16:
#1: Lindblom (0.52)
#2: Holmstrom (0.48)
#3: Forsling (0.44)
#4: Aho (0.41)
#5: Eriksson Ek (0.37)
#Flyers

 

[keppel146]

I just hope he doesn't turn into a Vanek; and he comes to Iowa next year. (Kid glided a lot and conserved energy at the WJC.)

 

[Nharris31]

I just hope he doesn't turn into a Vanek; and he comes to Iowa next year. (Kid glided a lot and conserved energy at the WJC.)

He got banged up pretty good in the first game.

 

[tomgilbertfan]

I just hope he doesn't turn into a Vanek; and he comes to Iowa next year. (Kid glided a lot and conserved energy at the WJC.)

I've never seen anyone describe his game without using the words "Hard-working".

 

[Saga of the Elk]

I think you would have to say it has not been a great season. Out of the lineup for the last game, been a scratch a few times over the last month as Färjestad positions for the playoffs. Not sure if he's dealing with injury or not, but trending down lately.

 

[Nharris31]

I think you would have to say it has not been a great season. Out of the lineup for the last game, been a scratch a few times over the last month as Färjestad positions for the playoffs. Not sure if he's dealing with injury or not, but trending down lately.

The last time I checked he was injured wasn't sure if he came back our not though.

 

[Saga of the Elk]

http://www.vf.se/sport/ishockey/superloftet-blir-kvar-i-farjestad

Swedish article, but the takeaway is that the Wild plan to loan JEE to Färjestad for another season. I think it's the right approach.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

Hopefully he can see some 2nd line minutes, some PP time.

 

[IHaveNoCreativity]

http://www.vf.se/sport/ishockey/superloftet-blir-kvar-i-farjestad

Swedish article, but the takeaway is that the Wild plan to loan JEE to Färjestad for another season. I think it's the right approach.

It's worked before.

 

[MN_Gopher]

I just hope he doesn't turn into a Vanek; and he comes to Iowa next year. (Kid glided a lot and conserved energy at the WJC.)

I agree. We dont need another 8 time 25 goal scorer. We have enough of those.

 

[DigitalBoldy]

I agree. We dont need another 8 time 25 goal scorer. We have enough of those.

2x 40 goal scorer
4x 30+ goal scorer

Totally don't need one of those

 

[Sarge58]

I'd hate to add another C that all they do is score 25 goals every year

 

[Jacks7833]

I'd hate to add another C that all they do is score 25 goals every year

Another?

 

[Sarge58]

Another?

It was sarcasm since we don't have a single one.

 

[Minnesota]

Eriksson-Ek Update:

The Wild is hoping to bring 2015 first-round pick Joel Eriksson Ek to training camp if for no other reason than the experience.

“It’d be a value for him to come to the rookie tournament or main camp or both and being around the veteran guys and being on the ice with [Mikko] Koivu and [Zach] Parise just to see where he is,†Flahr said. “He’s a pretty mature kid. He may be able to play sooner rather than later, so I just want to see what he’s up against.â€

If Eriksson Ek, 19, doesn’t make the team, he could be loaned back to Farjestad in the Swedish Elite League, sent to Iowa or even get a nine-game NHL trial.

The forward scored nine goals in the Elite League last season, the most by any junior in the league.

 

[DigitalBoldy]

So they might try him out in NA? Would be cool if could work out as a 3rd line center and Haula as a 2nd line center:

Parise-Koivu-Granlund
Nino-Haula-Coyle
Zucker-Ek-Pominville

 

[Fremitus Borealis]

Eriksson-Ek Update:

Ah cool, I came on to post this.

Thing is, though: I was under the impression he was in no hurry whatsoever to get over here (by which I mean Iowa), whereas the article makes it sound like he kinda is. I'm wondering if he changed his mind, or if it's just wishful thinking on the Wild's part.

 

[nickschultzfan]

Do. Not. Rush. Him.

He needs to get offensive minutes over the next 2-3 seasons.

Just be patient.

 

[Minnesota]

Do. Not. Rush. Him.

He needs to get offensive minutes over the next 2-3 seasons.

Just be patient.

I'd rather he gets top-6 minutes in Iowa over bottom-6 minutes in Sweden.

 

[Nharris31]

I'd rather he gets top-6 minutes in Iowa over bottom-6 minutes in Sweden.

I agree with this.

 

[Dampland]

I'd be just fine if he goes back to Sweden for one more season, then a full season in Iowa; and then playing with the Wild in the 2018-2019 season. NO NEED TO RUSH.

 

[AKL]

I'll agree that there's no need to rush him, and I don't imagine they will. Where he goes depends on how he does in camp. I'd hope they try to keep him in Iowa though.

On the flip side, if he's even borderline capable I wonder if they'll put him on the NHL roster to allow them to play Granlund at wing. Hope not, but it's something I could see.