Eriksson Ek, Brodin reveal injuries behind Wild playoff absences

Originally posted on Bring Me The News | By Tony Liebert | Last updated May 15, 2026 2:58 PM ET

Joel Eriksson Ek and Jonas Brodin, both missing every game in the Avalanche series, were ultimately too much for the Wild to overcome. Both players spoke to the media on Friday for the first time since the series ended and revealed the injuries they were dealing with.

Erikkson Ek's 51 points (19 goals and 32 assists) were the fifth-most for the Wild in the regular season. He carried that into the Dallas series with 5 points (3 goals and 2 assists). Minnesota lacked consistency at the center position all season, so his absence played a huge factor against the Avalanche.

He revealed that a broken heel bone in his right foot was simply "too painful" to play through against Colorado. When asked if he would've been able to play if the Wild kept winning, he said, "To be honest, I am not sure."

Brodin has struggled to stay on the ice throughout his Wild career, but he continued to be a valuable veteran defenseman this season. He had 18 points (4 goals and 14 assists) in the regular season, and one more assist in the Dallas series.

Brodin's injury came off a blocked shot in Game 5 against the Stars. He revealed that he broke a bone in his foot, which required surgery. He said that he hoped to be able to return near the end of the conference finals if Minnesota advanced that far.

Eriksson Ek has three seasons left on an eight-year, $42 millon contract, while Brodin has two years left on a contract that pays him $6 million annually. The Colorado series proved that Minnesota, even as good as they were this season, wasn't the same without their best two-way forward and one of their top defensemen.

This article first appeared on Bring Me The News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: