The Edmonton Oilers' sluggish start to the 2025-26 season has amplified concerns surrounding several key players, including veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm. The Oilers, known for their second-half surges, are facing worrying trends early on, with Ekholm's performance being a significant point of concern.
Prior to the season, the Oilers' decision to sign Ekholm to a three-year, $12 million extension was widely praised as a shrewd move. The 35-year-old (now) had seamlessly integrated into the team after being acquired at the 2023 trade deadline, providing valuable minutes and solidifying the defense, particularly complementing Evan Bouchard. However, questions lingered about the contract's longevity, considering Ekholm's age and physical style of play.
Those concerns are now materializing as Ekholm has not been performing up to expectations. While other players like Andrew Mangiapane and even stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have faced scrutiny, Ekholm's struggles are particularly alarming given his crucial role in the team's defensive structure.
In a recent game against the Seattle Kraken, Ekholm's difficulties were evident. He appeared unable to effectively handle the Kraken's offensive pressure, most notably on Jordan Eberle's opening goal. Critics pointed out that Ekholm failed to neutralize either the shooter or the pass, leaving goaltender Stuart Skinner in a difficult position.
Ekholm himself admitted earlier this year to battling both an illness and a lower-body injury that impacted his performance. After being shut down following the 4 Nations tournament, he acknowledged not being in optimal game shape and needing time to recover. While he expressed feeling better and managing the injury, the lingering effects may still be hampering his play.
Throughout the previous season, Ekholm dealt with an illness that lingered from the start of the year and a groin injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the playoffs. Although he returned for the Stanley Cup Final, it was apparent that he was not fully recovered, leading to uncharacteristic mistakes and a negative impact on the team's performance when he was on the ice.
Despite the recent struggles, it's important to acknowledge Ekholm's overall contributions to the Oilers. During the regular season, his underlying metrics were strong, ranking among the team's best in shot attempt share, scoring chance share, and expected goal share. However, there were noticeable dips in his actual goal share, potentially influenced by lower shooting and save percentages while he was on the ice.
As Ekholm enters a contract year in 2025-26, the pressure is on for him to regain his form and demonstrate his value to the Oilers. The team's success hinges on his ability to be the stabilizing force on the blue line that he has been in the past. While age and injuries may be factors, Ekholm's experience and hockey sense will be crucial assets as he navigates this challenging period. The Oilers will need him to overcome these early-season struggles and solidify his role as a key contributor if they hope to achieve their championship aspirations.
