Oilers D Mattias Ekholm expected to return for Game 5 vs. Stars

Defenseman Mattias Ekholm will return to the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers in Thursday’s potential Western Conference finals-clinching Game 5 against the Dallas Stars.
Out since April 11 with an undisclosed injury, Ekholm missed the first two rounds of the playoffs for the Oilers, who beat the Los Angeles Kings in six games and the Vegas Golden Knights in five before grabbing a 3-1 lead over the Stars.
Ekholm was with the top defensive unit during Thursday’s morning skate.
“Here’s a guy that’s been playing big minutes for us since he’s pretty much came to Edmonton,” Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch told reporters Thursday. “Playing a shut-down role, playing a penalty-kill role, power play, whatever. For him to come back and feeling great, it’s a great addition to our team.”
Of his injury, Ekholm said that “it feels really good,” but that he is still “making sure I’m in a good spot where I can not just play but withstand some blows.” He attempted to return twice over the past few weeks only to aggravate his injury.
Ekholm scored a career-high 11 goals last season and helped Edmonton rally from a 3-0 series deficit in the Stanley Cup Final, which the Oilers ultimately lost to the Florida Panthers. His 2024-25 campaign was cut short with nine goals, while his 22:11 of average ice time per game ranked third on the team.