Who Is Joel Eriksson Ek’s Wife? Inside The NHL Star's Relationship With Clara Bäckström
Minnesota Wild star center Joel Eriksson Ek remains one of the most reliable anchors on the ice, but off the ice, fans are frequently curious about his personal life. While search queries still surge for Joel Eriksson Ek's "girlfriend," the Swedish NHL standout is actually married to his longtime partner, Clara Bäckström (now Clara Eriksson Ek). The couple, who share deep roots in Sweden, transitioned from long-term partners to husband and wife in a beautiful summer ceremony in 2023.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Partner Name | Clara Bäckström (Clara Eriksson Ek) |
| Relationship Status | Married (since July 2023) |
| Partner's Origin | Karlstad, Sweden |
| Joel's Current Team | Minnesota Wild (NHL) |
| Current Year | 2026 |
Context & Background: The Journey from Karlstad to Minnesota
Joel Eriksson Ek and Clara Bäckström both hail from Karlstad, Sweden, a city known for its rich hockey culture and scenic landscapes. Their relationship began long before Eriksson Ek solidified his status as one of the NHL's premier two-way defensive forwards. Clara has been a constant source of support throughout Joel's transition from local Swedish leagues to the high-stakes environment of North American professional hockey.
In July 2023, the couple returned to their native Sweden to celebrate their wedding, surrounded by close friends, family, and several of Joel’s Minnesota Wild teammates. Since then, Clara has integrated into the tight-knit community of NHL spouses in the Twin Cities, balancing her life between the United States during the grueling NHL season and Sweden during the summer offseason.
Impact & Utility: Off-Ice Stability Fuels On-Ice Success
In professional sports, off-ice stability often directly correlates with on-ice consistency. As of August 2026, Joel Eriksson Ek is currently in the prime of his eight-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Wild, which keeps him locked in through the 2028-29 season. Having a supportive partner like Clara has allowed the Swedish center to maintain his focus on anchoring the Wild’s top lines and penalty kill units.
Unlike some celebrity couples, Joel and Clara maintain a relatively low profile on social media. They prefer to keep their private life quiet, occasionally sharing glimpses of their offseason travels, time spent with their dog, and family gatherings back home in Sweden. This grounded lifestyle has endeared them to the Minnesota fan base, who appreciate Eriksson Ek’s blue-collar work ethic on the ice and his family-oriented nature off it.
Will Less Strain Mean More Productivity For Joel Eriksson Ek ...
What's Next: Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
With the 2026 offseason winding down and training camp on the horizon for September, the Eriksson Eks are preparing for another demanding 82-game NHL campaign. After spending the summer recharging in Sweden, Clara and Joel will return to Minnesota as the Wild aim for a deep playoff run.
As Eriksson Ek continues to wear the "A" as one of the team's key leaders, expect Clara to be a regular fixture at the Xcel Energy Center, supporting the Wild's push for the Stanley Cup. For fans looking to keep up with the couple, updates are best found through official Minnesota Wild community events and occasional offseason features.
