Report: Minnesota Wild sign first round draft pick.

The Minnesota Wild got some important work done on Monday, announcing the singing of their first round selection in the 2015 NHL entry draft. Joel Eriksson Ek has come to terms on a three year entry level deal with the Wild, the team released this official statement:

“We’re excited to officially have Joel under contract,” said Assistant General Manager Brent Flahr. “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, 18 (1/29/97), recorded six points (4-2=6) in 34 games with Farjestad in the Swedish Hockey League and tallied 32 points (21-11=32) 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. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound native of Karlstad, Sweden, notched six points (5-1=6) in five games for Sweden at the 2015 Under-18 World Championship. He led his country in goals and ranked tied for first in scoring. Eriksson Ek also represented Sweden at the 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament and the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. He tallied 40 points (22-18=40) in 33 games with Farjestad’s Under-18 Team and four points (2-2=4) in 13 games with Farjestad’s Junior Team in 2013-14.

The Wild will likely want Ek to acquire some seasoning with Iowa before moving him to the NHL level, although what kind of time frame the team projects for him is unclear at this time.