Eriksson Ek was set to miss his second straight game with a lower-body injury and his move to IR opened up a roster spot for Mats Zuccarello to be activated.

Eriksson Ek was spotted leaving the arena in a walking boot on Thursday but is only expected to miss at least one week. The Wild recalled Gabriel Dumont from Iowa (AHL) to replace Eriksson Ek in the lineup.

Since being picked No.20 in 2015, Eriksson Ek has not topped 16 points in his first two NHL seasons. However, once Mikko Koivu went down last year, Eriksson Ek had five goals and two assists in 22 games while averaging 15:23 TOI/gm—averaged 12:22 prior. Koivu will likely be eased back into action early in the season, giving Eriksson Ek an opportunity to get off to a hot start in 2020.

Eriksson Ek suffered a lower-body injury vs. the Sharks on Tuesday and will not play Thursday vs. the Stars. Head coach Bruce Boudreau said that he “hopes” it doesn’t keep him out for no longer than a week. Luke Kunin will replace Eriksson Ek in the lineup on Thursday.

Eriksson Ek was the No.20 overall pick in 2015 but has struggled to get his offensive game going at the NHL-level. Eriksson Ek has just four points (1G / 3A) in 27 games this year so he heads back to the AHL where he had eight points (3G / 5A) in eight games last season.

Eriksson Ek has just two assists in his last 14 games and will be replaced by J.T. Brown on Saturday night. Eriksson Ek has had a hard time getting traction at the NHL level since being selected No.20 overall in 2015.

Eriksson will sit on Saturday so he can “reset” according to head coach Bruce Boudreau. Zach Parise (illness) is expected to draw back in to replace him.

Eriksson Ek will not play on Saturday and will likely miss all of next week with a lower-body injury. Charlie Coyle will play centre and J.T. Brown will play on the third line while Eriksson Ek is out.

Eriksson Ek missed Friday’s practice with “soreness” and is considered a game-time decision for Saturday’s game vs. the Hurricanes. If Eriksson Ek does not play, look for Charlie Coyle to move to centre and for J.T. Brown to play on the right wing of that third line.

Eriksson Ek, 19, had two goals and three assists (five points) in nine games with Minnesota. Before burning the first year of his entry-level contract, they’ve sent him back to Sweden. The former first round pick (No.20 overall in 2015) had 15 points (9G / 6A) in 41 games with Farjestad last season.