The NHL playoffs are almost here, and the Edmonton Oilers may be facing serious problems before they even begin. On Friday night, the team lost one of its most important players — defenseman Mattias Ekholm — to what’s being described as a serious injury. According to TSN, Ekholm could be out for a long time, possibly for the rest of the season. And for a team with Stanley Cup dreams, that’s very bad news.
Why Ekholm Matters So Much
Ekholm may not be the flashiest player, but he’s easily one of Edmonton’s most valuable defenders. He brings a strong physical presence, makes smart plays in the defensive zone, and regularly plays over 22 minutes a game. At 34 years old, the Swedish defenseman has the experience and calmness that can help any team stay composed under pressure — especially in the playoffs.
This season, Ekholm has played 65 games and recorded 9 goals and 33 points. Interestingly, in the 38 games the Oilers won with Ekholm in the lineup, he contributed 7 goals and 23 points. In the 27 games they lost with him, he managed only 2 goals and 10 points. This shows that when Ekholm plays well, so do the Oilers.
His Absence Leaves a Big Gap
Before Friday’s game, Ekholm had already missed 13 of Edmonton’s last 17 games, during which the Oilers went 10-6-1 — a decent, but not great, performance. Now that he may be out for even longer, the pressure falls on other veteran defensemen like Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse, Jake Walman, and Brett Kulak. But simply increasing their ice time won’t make up for what Ekholm brings to the game. His combination of toughness, intelligence, and leadership can’t be replaced easily.
Oilers’ Defense Could Struggle Without Him
Even with Ekholm, the Oilers haven’t exactly been a defensive powerhouse. They rank around the middle of the NHL, allowing 2.90 goals per game — tied for 15th in the league. Without Ekholm, that number could easily rise, and that’s the last thing a playoff-bound team wants.
Goalie Stuart Skinner has had a decent season, but he’s not known for winning games singlehandedly. He relies heavily on the defense in front of him, and losing a key player like Ekholm will make his job a lot harder.
Playoff Challenge Just Got Tougher
Edmonton is set to face the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. With superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, there’s always hope. But without Ekholm on the back end, the team’s weaknesses could be exposed.
While it’s possible the Oilers will find a way to rally without him, many hockey fans and analysts are skeptical. That’s fair, because Ekholm isn’t just any player — he’s a core part of their defensive identity.
Mattias Ekholm’s injury could not have come at a worse time for the Edmonton Oilers. His leadership, physical play, and steady presence on the blue line have been crucial to the team’s success. Without him, the Oilers are at serious risk of falling short in the playoffs once again. While McDavid and Draisaitl will do everything they can to carry the team forward, hockey is a team game — and Edmonton just lost a very important piece of the puzzle.
Unless a miracle happens, this injury could be the moment where the Oilers’ 2025 Stanley Cup hopes begin to fade.
