Mattias Ekholm has proven to be a game-changing acquisition for the Edmonton Oilers, arguably the most impactful they've made in their quest for the Stanley Cup. Slotting seamlessly into the top defensive pairing, Ekholm brought stability to a young Evan Bouchard, helping him evolve into the elite two-way player he is today. Ekholm’s relentless effort on every shift set a standard for the team, and the Oilers clearly thrived with him in the lineup, as evidenced by their postseason success.
However, time waits for no one. Last year’s Stanley Cup final saw Ekholm playing at less than full capacity, and it showed. As we gear up for the upcoming postseason, the burning question isn’t whether Ekholm will play a pivotal role, but rather, is he still up to the task?
Navigating Age and Decline
Take Wayne Gretzky, who wrapped up his career with nine goals in his final season. It's common for offensive output to wane as players age, but that doesn’t render them obsolete.
Ekholm is encountering this phase. Over the last three seasons, his goal tally has dipped from 11 to nine (in 65 games), and now sits at six (in 69 games).
Yet, his assist count remains robust at 31 this year, likely bolstered by sharing ice time with Connor McDavid.
Let’s not overlook Ekholm's offensive prowess. He still knows when to jump into the play and unleash a powerful shot. While he may not be as dominant as during his early days in Edmonton, advanced stats confirm he remains a positive force, logging over 20 minutes a night.
Committed for the Long Haul
Ekholm’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but at 35, he's already secured a three-year extension with the Oilers, keeping him in Edmonton until 2029. By then, he might not be on the top pairing, but his presence is likely to be beneficial if he stays healthy.
The struggles of the 2025 playoffs seem to be behind him, and playing through injuries in pursuit of the Cup is nothing new. Reviewing Ekholm’s contributions this season, he’s still capable of handling tough assignments against the league’s best, delivering consistently when it matters most.