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What to Expect for the Edmonton Oilers in 2023?

By Gabriel Candido

Jun 6, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (92) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith (41), defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) and defenseman Cody Ceci (5) during the third period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2022; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog (92) scores against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Mike Smith (41), defenseman Darnell Nurse (25) and defenseman Cody Ceci (5) during the third period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 20, 2018; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Nashville Predators defensemen Mattias Ekholm (14) avoids a check from Edmonton Oilers forward Jujhar Khaira (16). Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2018; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Nashville Predators defensemen Mattias Ekholm (14) avoids a check from Edmonton Oilers forward Jujhar Khaira (16). Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /

Mattias Ekholm

Another player who could improve the left defensive side is the Swedish Mattias Ekholm. Being 32, he’s almost ten years older than Chychrun and has a bigger paycheck too, with 6.25M AAV until 2026. Ekholm has played his entire career in Nashville so far and has 11 points (2-9) on 33 games this season.

Ekholm would make the team better for sure, but with Chychrun as an option, he shouldn’t be the first choice, because the Predators wouldn’t sell him cheap as well. Players like Warren Foegele (2.75M AAV), Tyson Barrie (4.5M AAV), and even Jesse Puljujarvi (3M AAV) could be involved to help with cap reasons as well.

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