Wild signs Eriksson Ek to three-year, entry-level contract

The Minnesota Wild signed center Joel Eriksson Ek to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Monday.

Eriksson Ek was selected in the first round (No. 20 overall) by the Wild in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

"We're excited to officially have Joel under contract," said assistant general manager Brent Flahr in a release. "He's a top young player with an exciting package of size, skill, hockey sense and character. We are committed to working with him in the development process and look forward to seeing him in a Wild uniform in the near future."

Eriksson Ek, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound native of Karlstad, Sweden, tallied six points in 34 games with Farjestad in the Swedish Hockey League and had 32 points in 25 games with Farjestad's Junior team in 2014-15. His six points were the most by any under-18 eligible player and his 21 goals led the Under-20 league.