Joel Eriksson-Ek should go down to Iowa

Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty ImagesWith Joel Eriksson Ek being recalled by the Minnesota Wild yesterday, I started to think about where in the Wild organization he should play. The Iowa Wild are currently in a race to make the playoffs and sit 6th in the Central division, 3 points out of the playoffs. Iowa has 71 points in 67 games while the Cleveland Monsters (currently holding 4th and final playoff spot in the Central) have 73 in 67 games. There’s also the Charlotte Checkers between them, who have 71 points in 66 games. After a 4-game losing streak, (including 2 losses to the Charlotte Checkers and one to the Cleveland Monsters) Iowa's chances have really suffered, and it became apparent that they could use some help. Luke Kunin was already added on an ATO and Jordan Greenway could potentially still sign. Even though the NHL club clearly goes ahead of Iowa in priorities, the NHL team has already clinched a playoff spot, has no real chance to win the division, and even dropping down a spot is unlikely.

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