Ekholm Could Return for Game 5
The Oilers could have defenseman Mattias Ekholm for the crucial Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals against the Stars. Ekholm has been out of the lineup since April 11 due to an undisclosed injury, missing the series wins against the Kings and the Golden Knights.
Speculation about Ekholm’s return intensified during the morning skate. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch paired him on the first defensive pairing alongside Evan Bouchard. Knoblauch commented on Ekholm’s importance to the team:“He’s a player who has been playing a lot of minutes for us since he arrived in Edmonton. Playing a blocking role, playing a penalty role, power play, you name it. For him to come back and feel great, it’s a great addition to our team.”
Kris Knoblauch
Ekholm spoke with reporters after the morning skate, indicating that his participation in the game was a possibility.
“I hope so! We’ll see how the warm-ups and my nap go, but yes, I feel very good. I think it’s been mainly a conversation with our doctors. I came back twice and resumed it about two months ago and just made sure I was in a good place where I could not only play, but withstand some hits.”
Mattias Ekholm
With the possible addition of Ekholm, it’s likely that Troy Stecher, who holds the sixth position among the team’s defensemen in ice time, will be left out.
Knoblauch ruled out the possibility of using a lineup with 11 forwards and seven defensemen to facilitate Ekholm’s return.Ekholm, before his arrival at the Oilers, played his entire career with the Predators, being traded in 2023. In his first full season in Edmonton, he scored 11 goals and 45 points in 79 games.
Before the injury, Ekholm was projected to have another season with more than 10 goals. He finished the regular season with nine goals and 33 points in 65 games.
Ekholm added:
“I guess it’s a process of adaptation, but you’ll have to ask the coaches about that. I know we’re going with six [defensemen] if I play, so that gives you an idea, but I feel ready, I feel like I can play. I haven’t played in a long time, so it’ll be a bit of an adjustment, but I feel great. I don’t think I’m going to play 26 minutes, but I think I’m ready for a more or less normal role.”
Mattias Ekholm
