The first of the three key contracts Bill Guerin had to complete this off season is done. Joel Eriksson Ek has a new 8 year deal with an AAV of $5.25M per year.
Eriksson Ek, the Wild's first round pick in 2015, 20th overall had established himself as one of the NHL's finest shutdown centers during the Covid-19 shortened 2020 season and then took his game to a whole new level in 2021. JEE established career highs in goals with 19 and points with 30 while playing in all 56 Wild games.
Next up on the contract front are Kevin Fiala and Calder Trophy winner, Kirill Kaprizov.
Having Eriksson Ek locked up for the next eight seasons shows the commitment Bill Guerin has to making this Wild team a legitimate top contender. Eriksson Ek who finished fourth in Selke voting this season is the type of player that brings value far beyond the goals and assists he contributes. But the fact that JEE has raised that part of his game really solidified the fact that Guerin had to lock him up long term.
Summer of Wild is upon us...