Ekholm Secures His Future with the Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers, after securing Connor McDavid’s contract extension, have ensured the permanence of Mattias Ekholm, one of the team’s defensive pillars.
Ekholm, at 35 years old, signed a three-year, $12 million extension, which will take effect starting in the 2026-27 season. The Swedish defenseman is in the final year of his contract, signed in 2021 with the Nashville Predators, with an annual value of $6 million. Had he not renewed, he would have become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
In his 15th season in the NHL, Ekholm recorded 33 points (9 goals and 24 assists) in 65 games with the Oilers. He averaged 22:11 minutes of ice time, being the third on the team in this area. In addition to being a key element in the defense, Ekholm also participates in the power play.
The personality and beard of Ekholm have inspired a group of Edmonton fans, known as “The Dancing Ekholms”, who attend the games with horned helmets, kilts, and war paint, in honor of their “Viking Warrior”.
This renovation comes two days after McDavid agreed to a two-year contract extension with an annual value of $12.5 million, giving general manager Stan Bowman flexibility to build a winning team.
Bowman didn’t take long to act, also securing the extension of defenseman Jake Walman (7 years, $49 million). The Oilers now have nine players signed until the end of McDavid’s contract in 2028.
Edmonton comes from suffering its second consecutive defeat against the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup final. The Oilers have participated in the postseason for six consecutive seasons.
