Joel Eriksson Ek Set to Compete in 4 Nations Face-Off Despite Injury

MONTREAL, Canada — Joel Eriksson Ek of the Minnesota Wild is ready to represent Sweden in the 4 Nations Face-Off despite missing his last game due to injury. His teammates expressed confidence in his determination, assuring that nothing would keep the gritty forward from competing.

“No chance,” said teammate Matt Boldy, highlighting Eriksson Ek’s commitment to the team. “He’s a warrior. He goes through it night in, night out. He’s underrated in the beating he takes for the team. Just such an unselfish, incredible player, and well deserving to be here. There was never a doubt that he was going to push through this.”

Eriksson Ek’s absence from the Wild’s recent game against the New York Islanders raised eyebrows, with teammate Filip Gustavsson noting, “We gave him a little s— for not playing but then coming to Montreal. But that’s Ekker. He stands in front of the net and takes a lot of hits. It takes a beating playing 82 games like that. But he’s a machine. He’s gonna play even if he has broken bones.”

The Swedish forward stated he was held out of the Islanders game due to “something I couldn’t push through that night,” but remains optimistic about his condition for the upcoming tournament. “I feel good and wasn’t missing this opportunity,” he added.

The tournament kicks off for Sweden on Wednesday night against Canada at the Bell Centre, where Eriksson Ek will line up alongside Jesper Bratt and Lucas Raymond. Bratt praised Eriksson Ek, calling him potentially “the best net-front guy in the league.”

Eriksson Ek’s physical style could result in confrontations during the tournament, notably against teammates Boldy and Brock Faber when Sweden faces Team USA on February 17. The past World Championship saw Eriksson Ek and Boldy engage in minor scuffles, hinting at a similar atmosphere during this competition. “I’m going to try to do everything to help this team win games,” Eriksson Ek said.

Meanwhile, Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin, who will likely face off against top players like Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby, expressed eagerness for the matchups. “I love those matchups. You don’t want them to skate that much,” he emphasized. Brodin received praise from McDavid, who called him one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL.

Also joining the national team is Team USA’s assistant coach John Hynes, who celebrated his 50th birthday at a Team USA dinner on Monday. Auston Matthews surprised Hynes with a birthday dessert, reminiscing about their past coaching connection. “It was a nice surprise,” Hynes said.

As the tournament progresses, stakeholders are keen on the performances of Eriksson Ek and his teammates, with all eyes on how the players adapt to this high-stakes competition.