24-year-old Eriksson Ek has had his best season in the NHL and took the opportunity to extend with Minnesota because at the end of this month he would become a "free agent" and be able to sign a contract with another club.
- I love being here.
We have a fantastic team and I really feel we can win.
I have that feeling before every game and I think we will only get better, Eriksson Ek has previously said to the NHL's website.
The forward scored 19 goals and was noted for 11 assists in 56 games last season and in the plus-minus statistics he had +16.
Went out in the eighth to Vegas
In this year's Stanley Cup, Minnesota went out in the first round, the eighth, against Vegas after a settlement in seven games.
"The most important priority for the future is to sign contracts with Kirill Kaprizov, Ek and Kevin Fiala," Minnesota general manager Bill Guerin said a month ago.
- They belong to the backbone of our team and you see that when they are on the ice.
I know that they are young players but they have good leadership qualities and we would like to see them stay in the team for a long time, said Guerin.
The contract for Ek expires in 2029. Then he will be 32 years old.
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Joel Eriksson Oak, in the dark, and William Karlsson.
Photo: TT