Since arriving in Edmonton at the 2023 trade deadline, Mattias Ekholm has done exactly what the Oilers hoped he would-and then some. The veteran blueliner brought with him the defensive reliability he was known for in Nashville, but he’s also shown flashes of offensive instinct that have added another layer to his game. Most importantly, he’s formed a rock-solid pairing with Evan Bouchard, a duo that’s become a cornerstone of Edmonton’s back end.
This season didn’t start as smoothly as Oilers fans might’ve hoped. Ekholm, now 35 and coming off an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign, looked a step slow early in 2025-26.
Naturally, questions about age and decline started to bubble up. But as the season’s worn on, those concerns have faded.
Ekholm has reminded everyone that he’s still very much a top-pairing defenseman-steady, smart, and still logging heavy minutes. He’s averaging close to 21 minutes a night and, with six goals and 26 points through 54 games, he’s right in line with the production he’s posted the last two seasons.
And yet, despite his consistency and value, Ekholm was once again left off Sweden’s Olympic roster.
Sweden Passes on Ekholm-Again
Ekholm suited up for Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, so it was reasonable to think he’d be in the mix for the Olympic team. But when the roster was unveiled in early January, his name was missing. Sweden opted instead for a deep defensive group featuring Rasmus Dahlin, Rasmus Andersson, Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, Gustav Forsling, Jonas Brodin, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Philip Broberg.
Then came a twist. Brodin suffered a lower-body injury and was ruled out for the tournament.
It looked like Ekholm might get the call after all. But Sweden went in a different direction, selecting Hampus Lindholm of the Boston Bruins as the replacement.
That decision raised eyebrows in Edmonton. Ekholm has long been one of the NHL’s most reliable shutdown defenders, and his play this season has only reinforced that reputation. His omission-both initially and as an injury replacement-feels like a snub, plain and simple.
Why This Might Be a Blessing in Disguise
As frustrating as the Olympic exclusion might be for Ekholm personally, it could end up being a win for the Oilers.
Last season, Edmonton made a remarkable run back to the Stanley Cup Final. That journey was even more impressive given that they were without Ekholm for much of the playoffs due to injury. The team managed to battle past the Kings and Golden Knights without him, and his return late in the Western Conference Final was seen as a major boost heading into the Final against Florida.
But the version of Ekholm that took the ice against the Panthers wasn’t the one Oilers fans were used to. He was still clearly hampered by the torn adductor he later revealed he had been dealing with.
His skating was limited, and that directly contributed to several goals against in the series. It wasn’t the Ekholm the Oilers needed-and it showed.
So now, as Edmonton eyes another deep playoff run, keeping Ekholm healthy is absolutely critical. At 35, rest and recovery are more important than ever.
Skipping the Olympics, while disappointing for the player, might be exactly what the Oilers need. A few extra weeks off in February could go a long way toward ensuring he’s at full strength when the games really start to matter.
For a team that hasn’t lifted the Cup since 1990, every edge counts. And a well-rested, fully healthy Mattias Ekholm might be one of the biggest advantages the Oilers can have come spring.