Mattias Ekholm's 2024-25 season with the Edmonton Oilers can be described as a mix of solid regular season performance and struggles in the playoffs, coupled with concerns about his durability. The veteran defenseman, who turned 35 in May, remains a key part of the Oilers' defensive core, but questions linger about his ability to maintain peak performance as he progresses in his career.
During the 2024-25 regular season, Ekholm played in 65 games, scoring 9 goals and 24 assists for a total of 33 points. He maintained a plus-11 rating and recorded 30 penalty minutes. His average ice time was 22:12 per game. Analyzing his performance through November 2024 showed an increase in offensive involvement, with his shots on goal rising from 44 to 60 compared to the previous season. He also blocked more shots, increasing from 22 to 28, showcasing his defensive reliability. His average time on ice also increased, indicating greater trust from the coaching staff.
However, Ekholm's health became a recurring concern. He missed the team's final 11 regular-season games, except for a brief appearance against the San Jose Sharks where he played only three shifts before being sidelined indefinitely. Despite these injury issues, the Oilers were optimistic about his return for the Western Conference Final.
In the playoffs, Ekholm's performance dipped compared to his regular season play. While he scored one goal and registered six points in seven games, his defensive game suffered. He struggled in puck battles, was often beaten to loose pucks, and made critical passing errors, particularly in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Overall, Ekholm's 2024-25 season can be viewed through a balanced lens. He contributed offensively and defensively during the regular season, providing a steady presence on the blue line. However, his health and playoff performance raise concerns about his long-term effectiveness.
Looking ahead, Ekholm is under contract with the Oilers through the 2025-26 season, with an annual cap hit of $6.25 million. In 2024-25, his base salary was $6.5 million. As he approaches unrestricted free agency in 2026, the Oilers will need to assess his ability to remain a top-pairing defenseman and manage his workload to maximize his impact while minimizing the risk of injury.
