Wild Sign Joel Eriksson Ek to 8-Year Extension

The Minnesota Wild have signed center Joel Eriksson Ek to an 8-year, $42 million contract. It will carry a $5.25 million cap and is the first max deal in Wild history.

The 20th overall pick of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft had a career year this season. In 56 games, he scored 19 goals and 30 points, which is very solid. However, he truly shined when it came to his defensive play, as he would finish fourth in Selke Trophy voting. Thus, he has become an immensely important piece of the Wild and is forming into one of the best two-way forwards in the league.

Although some may dislike the cap hit upon first glance, it is important to note that Eriksson Ek is only 24-years-old and continuing to progress. He will be under this contract for the entirety of his prime years, so there is not much risk with its length. If Eriksson Ek becomes an even better offensive player, this has all the makings of a true steal. Also, had they given him a bridge deal, he likely would have made more as an unrestricted free agent.

The Wild have crossed off one of the major tasks of their off-season and did it quite quickly. Eriksson Ek clearly loves being a member of the Wild, as evidenced by signing such a long-term deal. Hopefully this sparks Kirill Kaprizov to re-sign, as the two of them could make magic together for years to come.

Nonetheless, congrats to Eriksson Ek on his monstrous new deal!