Joel Eriksson Ek, left, agreed to an 8-year extension with the Minnesota Wild after a season in which he set career highs in both goals and points. (Photo by Harrison Barden/Getty Images)
Joel Eriksson Ek emerged as a consistent two-way player this year.
The Minnesota Wild made sure he will remain in St. Paul for nearly the next decade on Friday afternoon.
The 24-year-old center was agreed to an 8-year, $42 million extension that goes through the 2028-29 season. The contract averages $5,25 million per season.
The Wild entered the offseason with a laundry list of personnel moves to consider after a season that showed the franchise’s potential.