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

[Dr Jan Itor]

You mean Zucker for Haula and Tuch?

No. Just Haula straight up. Not like 'if you could re-do the expansion draft', just if Vegas called up Fletcher after the season and proposed it.

 

[Saga of the Elk]

I would agree that he was a good #3 for most of the year, but he did have a rough stretch leading up to the deadline. I would also agree that the 4th line center was a much bigger problem last season.

To get back on topic with Eriksson-Ek, the kid isn't even half as good deffensively as he gets credit for on this board. And while it's fair to make excuses for his lack of scoring because he's playing with guys like Winnik and Foligno, there's no reason he should be the worst player on that line.

Don't just take it from us:

Boudreau again stuck up for center Joel Eriksson Ek, whose goal-less drought now extends to 49 games, dating back to the Wild’s first game of the season.
But even after Eriksson Ek was a minus-1 against the Capitals, Boudreau said he still brings plenty of value to the team.
“If you guys are thinking because he hasn’t scored much and you’re looking for stories from that, he does so many things well away from the puck that scoring – I told him it doesn’t matter this year,” Boudreau said. “Just play. It’s going to come – it might be a year down the road, but it’ll come.”

 

[2Pair]

Don't just take it from us:

What else could he possibly say? That the kid is providing nothing offensively, but makes up for it with average at best deffense? There's nothing terribly wrong with Ek's deffensive game, it just isn't near as good as people say it is. The kid has all of the tools, and shows signs of being a very good NHL player, he just isn't close to being one right now.

 

[Saga of the Elk]

What else could he possibly say? That the kid is providing nothing offensively, but makes up for it with average at best deffense? There's nothing terribly wrong with Ek's deffensive game, it just isn't near as good as people say it is. The kid has all of the tools, and shows signs of being a very good NHL player, he just isn't close to being one right now.

This coach is not afraid to speak the truth (he was very tough on Dubnyk the other day), so with all due respect I'll trust his stated opinion on this player. I think everyone - Bruce included - knows that rookies make mistakes and fail to achieve sometimes and have to learn from experience. This afternoon he's giving JEE a real chance to show he can be better.

Patrice Bergeron was -28 in his age 21 (turned 22 that July) season with the Bruins for what it's worth. His third full season in the NHL. Guys can improve, numbers can lie.

 

[Digitalbooya]

It’d be nice if Ek could go to Iowa and play 1st line, 1st pp, 1st pk. I just feel like he would be developing better in that situation than 4th line here with Foligno and Winnik. Maybe they could brew chemistry between him and Kunin.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

This coach is not afraid to speak the truth (he was very tough on Dubnyk the other day), so with all due respect I'll trust his stated opinion on this player. I think everyone - Bruce included - knows that rookies make mistakes and fail to achieve sometimes and have to learn from experience. This afternoon he's giving JEE a real chance to show he can be better.

Patrice Bergeron was -28 in his age 21 (turned 22 that July) season with the Bruins for what it's worth. His third full season in the NHL. Guys can improve, numbers can lie.

He also had his second of back-to-back 70 point seasons that year, but I think I get what you're saying.

 

[Binister]

I've been very disappointed when it comes to his offensive production. two goals and 10 points isn't good for any top 9F. I know he has played okay with Iowa but he was supposed to be more ready than last year where his production was okay!

Thankfully some of his advanced stats have gone up from last season even though his previous season's sample size wasn't actually the best.

 

[57special]

He passes the eye test as a solid, strong, defensively responsible bottom sixer. Trouble is, we need more than that. He is our #1/2C of the future, along with Coyle. I don't see Kunin being a C.

 

[2Pair]

He passes the eye test as a solid, strong, defensively responsible bottom sixer. Trouble is, we need more than that. He is our #1/2C of the future, along with Coyle. I don't see Kunin being a C.

He doesn't come close to passing those eye tests for me. He shows flashes,and once or twice a game he will make a play that shows his potential, but more often than not he's a liability on the ice.

 

[Dr Jan Itor]

Passes the eye test pretty much everywhere except with the puck on his stick; defensively, neutral zone, board battles anywhere on the ice. He had a sequence against the Islanders where he basically Datsyuk'd Barzal on the backcheck and turned things the other way, and I think he did it twice in a matter of 15-20 seconds.

 

[SMTHook]

This kid keeps roughing it up in the corners and behind the net against grown *** men. Yeah he gets overpowered sometimes, but he often wins the battle. I think he's beginning to show signs of the player we hope he'll become. I'm officially a fan.

 

[SomethingGeneric]

Was very impressed with his game tonight as well. Can tell he understands how to play hockey in all three zones. Just keep hoping the offense comes around.

 

[57special]

He had 4 shots on net tonight. He's finally found a spot on the team(for now) centering the 4th line, which has looked really good...the best 4th line since Brodziak, Fontaine, and? or maybe one of the 4th lines with Haula on it?

He is starting to be one of my favorite players.

 

[Bazeek]

The makings of a good 2C are definitely there, and he seems like the sort that will develop gradually but reliably. He's already smart and physical, but if he can hone his offense and get stronger on the puck he'll be quite a player.

 

[SupremeNachos]

It's always funny when they show his face on TV because he looks so young.

 

[Digitalbooya]

It's always funny when they show his face on TV because he looks so young.

His face looks like a cross between Malkin and Kopitar.

 

[SupremeNachos]

His face looks like a cross between Malkin and Kopitar.

I would take that as an insult if I were him

 

[nickschultzfan]

His face looks like a cross between Malkin and Kopitar.

I'd take a Malkin-Kopitar hybrid any day of the week. Even in just the face.

 

[W75]

I like his path so far. Tough things and basics first, dude is already excelling in those tasks you guys mentioned. Even if he can't find the scoring touch, will be a highly valuable 3rd/4th line center. Like, that's the floor.

We'll need some Kaprizov-types too in the future. But this fellow is becoming a Brodin of centermen already. With Spurgy's forever young face.

 

[DANOZ28]

im a bit disappointed JEE isnt in the 12G scoring range replacing haula's 15G but hes still young & has potential.

 

[57special]

At Ek's age, Haula wasn't even in the NHL. Ek won't be a Boesser, but he'll be a damn good defensive player, and I see possibilities with that shot of his. He can also skate well. I think he's going to be a big part of this team in 4-5 years.

 

[DANOZ28]

haula was a 7th rnd pick (i think) , JEE was a mid 1st pick so there should be higher expectations. 2 of his 6G have been empty netters i believe.

 

[57special]

well...Haula wasn't a normal 7th rounder. The NHL was sleeping on him, just like they slept on Sokolov, and Kaprizov. Anyway, Ek's strength might not be scoring, but he can damn well play. I wonder if ANY of the players in his draft class are as good as he is defensively.

 

[DANOZ28]

just asking / debating should we have picked him so high in the draft?

 

[Nharris31]

just asking / debating should we have picked him so high in the draft?

Idk maybe we should until he is not pigeon holed on the fourth line to decide that.