Defenseman Jonas Brodin and center Joel Eriksson Ek were sidelined for Minnesota’s second-round NHL playoff series against Colorado due to broken bones in their feet. Brodin fractured his big toe blocking a shot in the first round, while Eriksson Ek broke his heel in Game 6 against Dallas. Their absence was felt as the Wild were eliminated in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Avalanche. Both players expressed frustration over missing the playoffs but aim to return stronger next season.
