Eriksson Ek Exits Wild Game With Head Injury
Minnesota Wild alternate captain Joel Eriksson Ek left Thursday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a collision with Jake McCabe.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Hockey
Joel Eriksson Ek, an alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild, exited Thursday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs with a head injury. The injury occurred midway through the second period after he collided with Maple Leafs defenceman Jake McCabe near centre-ice.
Why it matters
Eriksson Ek is one of the Wild's key forwards, and his early exit leaves a gap in the lineup for Minnesota fans following the team this season. The extent of the injury and his availability for upcoming games were not addressed in the available details.
Before leaving the game, Eriksson Ek had logged 10:52 of ice time with three shots on goal and two hits, well below his season average of 19:48 per game. Entering the matchup he had six goals and 11 assists in 20 games, and the status of his recovery has not been disclosed.
The players
Joel Eriksson Ek
Joel Eriksson Ek is a 29-year-old forward and alternate captain for the Minnesota Wild who has been a consistent presence in the team's top-six.
Jake McCabe
Jake McCabe is a defenceman for the Toronto Maple Leafs whose shoulder made contact with Eriksson Ek's head during the play.
The details
Eriksson Ek remained on the ice for some time after the collision before play was whistled dead. Wild medical staff helped him off the ice and into the locker room.
Timeline
Thursday, November 12, 2026: Eriksson Ek exits the Wild game against the Toronto Maple Leafs after the second-period collision.
Season Trajectory
Eriksson Ek's absence, if it extends, would affect the Wild's depth through a stretch of the season where they are trying to establish their position in the standings. The injury underscores how head contact during routine play can alter a single player's trajectory without any suspension or penalty.
Fantasy managers rostering Eriksson Ek should monitor the Wild's injury report before setting lineups for their next games. His early exit also affects the Wild's ice-time distribution among their forwards until his status is confirmed.
The takeaway
Head injuries in hockey can end a game in seconds, so fans should follow official team updates rather than early speculation. Tracking the injury report is the most reliable way to know when a player like Eriksson Ek returns.
Further reading
For more on the Wild's season, see Minnesota Hockey.
