The Edmonton Oilers are facing scrutiny early in the 2025-2026 season, with a 4-4-1 record mirroring their start from the previous year. While the team's offensive struggles have been a focal point, concerns are also growing around the performance of veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm.
Ekholm, typically a reliable presence on the blue line, has shown uncharacteristic struggles in the first ten games. This has led to questions about his current form and potential lingering effects from a previous injury. In a recent game, Ekholm was moved to a pairing with Jake Walman, separating him from his regular partner, Evan Bouchard. According to Sportsnet's Mark Spector, neither Ekholm nor Bouchard have been performing at their best.
A particular instance highlighted Ekholm's difficulties when Kiefer Sherwood of the Seattle Kraken executed a skillful move around him, leaving the veteran defenseman looking "like a novice". This play, along with being on the ice for the Kraken's third goal, has fueled concerns about Ekholm's current level of play.
Jason Strudwick raised the possibility that Ekholm might still be working through a nagging injury, even if he is technically healthy. While the exact cause of his struggles remains unclear, it's evident that Ekholm isn't performing at the standard he has set throughout his career.
Oiler's defensive pairings have been under scrutiny, with the pairing of Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm controlling a significant percentage of shots (61%) and high-danger chances (55%) when on the ice together. However, this hasn't translated into goals, as they've only been on the ice for one goal for and eight goals against at 5-on-5, resulting in a poor 11% actual goal share.
Evan Bouchard, who signed a $10.5 million contract, has also faced criticism. Despite high expectations and significant ice time, Bouchard has only recorded two points through the first eight games, both assists on the power play. While Bouchard's struggles are part of a larger issue with the Oilers' overall scoring, his defensive lapses have been costly. Even with strong possession numbers when paired with Ekholm, their on-ice results have been unlucky, with a low on-ice save percentage and shooting percentage.
The Oilers' defensive struggles aren't limited to just one pairing. Darnell Nurse, who signed an eight-year, $74 million extension in 2022, has also faced criticism for not justifying his high salary. Through seven games, opponents have scored seven goals at 5-on-5 with Nurse on the ice, and his expected goals share is a concerning 29%.
Overall, the Edmonton Oilers' defensive core has faced challenges early in the season. While some point to individual struggles, others suggest the issues are more systemic. As the team looks to improve its performance, addressing the struggles of key defensemen like Mattias Ekholm and Darnell Nurse will be crucial.
