Eriksson Ek scored a goal on three shots in Thursday's 3-1 win over the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

After missing Minnesota's last five games with a lower-body injury, Eriksson Ek opened the scoring late in the first period Thursday, burying a net-front feed from Kirill Kaprizov for his 30th goal of the year, a new career best. Eriksson Ek had six points (one goal, five assists) in five contests prior to his injury. He's matched a career high with 61 points (30 goals, 31 assists) through 67 games this season.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) will be in the lineup against San Jose on Thursday, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eriksson Ek returns following a five-game stint on the shelf due to his lower-body problem. While the 27-year-old center has scored just one goal in his last 11 games, he did rack up eight assists over that stretch. In addition to slotting into a top-line role, Eriksson Ek figures to also be on the No. 1 power-play unit against the Sharks.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) took part in Tuesday's practice and could return to action Thursday versus San Jose, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eriksson Ek has missed the past five games due to a lower-body issue. He has accumulated 29 goals, 60 points, 232 shots on net and 154 hits across 66 games this season. Once he is cleared to return, Eriksson Ek will likely skate on the top line and work on the first power-play unit.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) won't play Saturday against St. Louis, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eriksson Ek will miss his fifth consecutive contest. He has compiled 29 goals, 60 points, 232 shots on net and 154 hits over 66 games this season. His next chance to play will be Thursday versus the Sharks.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) could return Saturday against the Blues, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Coach John Hynes said after practice Friday that Eriksson Ek might be a possibility Saturday. Eriksson Ek skated during practice, but he remained on the bench when the Wild took line rushes. He has 29 goals and 60 points in 66 games, one off his career high in points set last season. Eriksson Ek will likely be replaced on the top line by Marco Rossi if he is unable to play.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) is set to miss out on the rest of the Wild's road trip, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Eriksson Ek was originally slated to return during the team's five-game road trip, but it seems that is no longer the case. With the 27-year-old center remaining on the shelf, Marco Rossi figures to stay in the second-line center role, though newcomer Marat Khusnutdinov could also push for more opportunities.

Eriksson Ek (lower body) won't play Saturday in St. Louis but may rejoin the Wild during the remainder of their road trip in California, Jessi Pierce of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eriksson Ek is guaranteed to miss a second game with the injury, but a specific timeline for his return has yet to be established. The Wild visit the Ducks on Tuesday and the Kings on Wednesday before returning home to face the Blues again March 23. Eriksson Ek's absence has allowed Ryan Hartman to get onto the top line.

Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) is set to miss "a few" games, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Russo adds that Eriksson Ek dodged a worst-case scenario, but the Wild will still be without their top center for a bit. Marat Khusnutdinov could be in line to make his NHL debut during Eriksson Ek's absence.

Eriksson Ek (undisclosed) didn't finish Tuesday's game versus the Coyotes, and there was no update on his status after the contest, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The nature of Eriksson Ek's injury is not known. The 27-year-old's status should be updated prior to Thursday's game versus the Ducks. If he can't play, Adam Beckman might enter the lineup, while Marco Rossi would be in line for a bigger role.

Eriksson Ek picked up two assists, one on the power play, in Sunday's 4-3 overtime win over the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

He also chipped in nine faceoff wins on 17 draws, four hits, two shots on net, two blocked shots, two PIM and a plus-1 rating. Eriksson Ek has gotten onto the scoresheet in four straight games, and over the last 15 contests he's racked up an impressive eight goals and 21 points.