The Edmonton Oilers are stuck between a rock and a hard place in 2024-25. Players like Jeff Skinner could be considered difference makers throughout their career. However, 2024-25 is different and the injury to Mattias Ekholm is a clear example. Today’s announcement seems more and more likely that he will be shut down for the duration. So let’s bring some sense to the situation.
Mattias Ekholm Injury Update Not Favourable for Oil Country
Mattias Ekholm has been one of the top puck control defenders for a long time. It’s the type of game that Nicklas Lidstrom was good at for so many years. Ekholm’s numbers from 2024-25 are as expected with nine goals and 24 assists for 33 points. Moreover, he’s not one to standout, but that’s exactly what you want from your defence. Ever since his arrival in the Alberta capital, he’s been remarkably efficient. Rising Evan Bouchard to prominence, their numbers as a pairing has been sensational. This year in nearly 1000 minutes played together their expected goals is almost 60%.
He’s been an excellent partner ever since he’s arrived in Edmonton. Furthermore, years before that, as well as with the Nashville Predators as their top defender. It is impressive to be regarded as an NHL teams’ that’s competitive top defender for a number of years.
What this Means for the Edmonton Oilers Playoff Run
What the Mattias Ekholm injury means for the Oilers situation is not ideal? They already have injury troubles at the top. Also, Zach Hyman is banged up as well. As a team, they haven’t been able to find good rhythm all season. They were just hoping that that switch would magically turn on come the playoffs. However, in the western conference, there are a lot of very good teams. Case in point, teams like the Colorado Avalanche, the Dallas Stars, or even the Winnipeg Jets. And that’s just to emerge from the wild west. You’re still not getting past the uh, Leafs. Ha just joking.
Main Photo Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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