Wild Veterans Brodin and Eriksson Ek Revealed Broken Feet During Playoff Loss to Avalanche

Minnesota Wild veterans Jonas Brodin and Joel Eriksson Ek revealed that they missed the team's second-round NHL playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche due to broken bones in their feet. In season-ending interviews, Brodin disclosed he fractured the big toe on his right foot while blocking a shot in Game 5 of the first round against Dallas, necessitating surgery and causing him to miss the remainder of the playoffs. Eriksson Ek suffered a broken heel bone in his right foot during Game 6 against Dallas. Although he attempted limited practice before Game 3 against Colorado, pain prevented him from skating effectively. The Wild were ultimately eliminated by the Avalanche in a 4-3 overtime defeat in Denver. Both players expressed frustration at watching from home, noting their defensive experience was missed against the league's top regular-season team. Brodin, who also missed the Olympics due to injury, emphasized the need to stay positive and return stronger next season. This revelation highlights the physical toll of the playoffs on key defensive contributors for Minnesota.