The Edmonton Oilers are hoping to have a key piece of their blue line back in action Thursday night, and all signs point to Mattias Ekholm being ready to go. The veteran defenseman took part in the team’s optional morning skate-typically a good indicator that he’s trending toward playing-though nothing has been officially confirmed just yet.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch kept things close to the vest, saying, “He’s on the ice right now; we’ll find out. He’s day-to-day.” But given the timing and the opponent, Ekholm’s return couldn’t come at a better moment.
The Oilers have been stacking points in the Pacific Division, but even with the wins coming in, there’s a sense that the team hasn’t quite hit its stride collectively. The chemistry is still a work in progress, and with the Olympic break fast approaching, every game is a chance to tighten things up.
Ekholm’s recent form has been nothing short of eye-catching. He notched a hat trick in Tuesday’s win over the Anaheim Ducks-a rare feat for a defenseman and a reminder of the offensive punch he can bring from the back end. But while individual performances have been stealing the spotlight, the Oilers know that it’s going to take a more cohesive team effort to keep climbing the standings.
Thursday night’s matchup against the San Jose Sharks offers a different kind of test. Like Anaheim, the Sharks are young and talented, but their system and personnel present new challenges.
Chief among them: rookie sensation Macklin Celebrini. The No. 1 overall pick has already turned heads around the league, and he’s earned the respect of veteran stars like Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who both praised his skill set and compete level.
“Different teams, different styles,” Knoblauch said, highlighting the contrast between the Ducks and Sharks. The Oilers will need to be sharp, especially against a San Jose lineup that can burn you with speed and youthful energy.
With only a handful of games left before the Olympic pause, Edmonton is looking to lock in. Getting Ekholm back would be a major boost-not just for his defensive steadiness, but for the leadership and poise he brings when the pressure starts to rise.
Stay tuned. If Ekholm is indeed back in the lineup, the Oilers will be that much stronger in a game that could carry more weight than the standings might suggest.