Joel Eriksson Ek Girlfriend: Inside The Minnesota Wild Star’s Marriage To Saga Berlander
Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek has solidified his reputation as one of the NHL's most elite, resilient two-way forwards. Off the ice, fans and hockey enthusiasts are frequently curious about his personal life and the support system powering his success on the ice. While many search engines still point to queries about "Joel Eriksson Ek's girlfriend," the Swedish NHL star officially transitioned to married life, tying the knot with his long-time partner, Saga Berlander.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Subject | Joel Eriksson Ek (Minnesota Wild, No. 14) |
| Partner | Saga Berlander (now Saga Eriksson Ek) |
| Relationship Status | Married (August 2023) |
| Primary Residence | Saint Paul, Minnesota / Sweden |
| Family Status | Parents of one child |
| Current Date | August 2, 2026 |
Context & Background
The relationship between Joel Eriksson Ek and Saga Berlander stretches back to their formative years in Sweden. Both originating from Karlstad, Sweden, Saga was by Joel's side throughout his transition from local Swedish leagues to the global stage of the National Hockey League.
After years of dating, the couple took a major step forward in August 2023, celebrating their wedding in a picturesque Swedish ceremony. The event brought together close family, childhood friends, and several of Eriksson Ek's Minnesota Wild teammates. Shortly after their wedding, the couple expanded their family by welcoming their first child. As of August 2026, the young family has successfully adjusted to the rhythm of NHL life, dividing their year between the Twin Cities and their homeland of Sweden.
Impact & Utility
An athlete's stability off the ice often mirrors their consistency on the ice. For Eriksson Ek, his transition from having a long-term girlfriend to establishing a family with Saga has coincided with the most productive years of his professional hockey career.
Having signed an eight-year contract extension with the Minnesota Wild that runs through the 2028-2029 season, the Eriksson Eks have established deep roots in the Saint Paul community. This long-term contract stability has allowed Saga and Joel to raise their child in a familiar environment.
While Saga Berlander maintains a low profile on public social media platforms, she is an active member of the Minnesota Wild's community network. She frequently participates in "Wild Better Halves" charity events, which support local youth hockey initiatives and food shelves across Minnesota. Her low-key yet supportive presence has made the couple a favorite among local fans who value humbleness and community engagement.
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What's Next
As the calendar marks August 2, 2026, Joel Eriksson Ek is currently in the heart of his summer training program, preparing for the upcoming 2026-2027 NHL regular season. After a grueling previous season, the off-season has provided the forward with crucial recovery time alongside Saga and their toddler in Sweden.
With Minnesota Wild training camps scheduled to open in September, the family will soon return to Saint Paul. Fans can expect to see Saga and their child supporting No. 14 from the stands at the Xcel Energy Center as the Wild chase another Stanley Cup playoff berth.
