John Hynes Not Concerned About Slow Starts From Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek

Four games into the 2026-27 NHL season, and two of the Minnesota Wild's most important forwards are still waiting for their offensive production to take off.

Matt Boldy has yet to record a point, while Joel Eriksson Ek is still searching for his first goal of the season.

With the loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning last night, the Minnesota now falls to 2-1-1 on the season and 0-1-1 on its first road trip of the season.

For two players expected to play significant roles in Minnesota's offense, the slow starts are noticeable. However, Wild head coach John Hynes isn't particularly concerned with either player's performance.

“We’re not saying they’re missing in action,” Hynes said. “We’re saying they’re doing the things to be able to produce. It’s not going in for them.”

It's an important distinction for the Wild, who aren't necessarily seeing a lack of effort or opportunities from either forward. Instead, Hynes believes the chances are being generated, but the results simply haven't followed.

Boldy, 25, has developed into one of Minnesota's most dangerous offensive players, capable of creating scoring opportunities through his combination of skill, shooting ability and offensive instincts.

"Yeah, you want to score. It is what it is," Boldy said about not having a goal or point to start the season. "Can't go back in time and change these games. Just have to get ready for the next one and try to make a difference."

Eriksson Ek, 29, meanwhile, brings a different element to the Wild's attack. His ability to establish position around the net, create traffic and generate second-chance opportunities makes him an important part of Minnesota's offensive identity.

Both players have proven capable of producing at a high level, which is why Hynes isn't interested in making sweeping judgments based on the opening four games.

“These guys are too good of players, and they play the game the right way,” Hynes said. “With those two guys in particular, with the way they play and the opportunities they’ve had as of late, you’ve got to stay with it.”

The challenge for Minnesota is turning those opportunities into actual production.

While four games represent only a small portion of an 84-game schedule, the Wild will undoubtedly benefit from getting two of their established offensive contributors going.

For Boldy, that means finding the scoresheet for the first time this season. For Eriksson Ek, it's about finally breaking through in the goal column.

Neither player needs to reinvent his game to make that happen, at least according to their head coach.

Hynes believes the process is already there. Now it's a matter of waiting for the results to catch up.

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