Ekholm Secures His Future with the Oilers After McDavid’s Extension
After securing Connor McDavid’s contract extension, the Edmonton Oilers continue to strengthen their roster. The team has reached an agreement with defenseman Mattias Ekholm for a three-year, $12 million contract extension, which will begin in the 2026-27 season.
Ekholm, 35, is currently in the final year of his four-year contract signed in 2021 with the Nashville Predators, with an average annual value of $6 million. The Swedish defenseman would have become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
In his fifteenth season in the NHL, Ekholm recorded 33 points (9 goals, 24 assists) in 65 games last season with the Oilers. His average ice time of 22:11 was the third highest on the team. Ekholm is a key player on defense and also participates in the power play.
The arrival of Ekholm in Edmonton has been celebrated by the fans, who have created a group called “The Dancing Ekholms”, who attend the games with horned helmets, kilts, and war paint in honor of their “Viking Warrior”.
This agreement comes shortly after McDavid signed a two-year contract extension, with an average annual value of $12.5 million, giving management flexibility to build a winning team. General Manager Stan Bowman has been active, also securing the extension of defenseman Jake Walman (7 years, $49 million). The Oilers now have nine players signed through the end of McDavid’s contract in 2028.
The Oilers are coming off their second straight loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. The team has made the playoffs for six consecutive seasons.
