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3 Oilers Players Who Should See An Expanded Role In 2023 And 1 Who Should Not

By Almar Reyes

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Dylan Holloway #55 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck during NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January, 21, 2023 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 21: Dylan Holloway #55 of the Edmonton Oilers skates with the puck during NHL action against the Vancouver Canucks on January, 21, 2023 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 18: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on March 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – MARCH 18: Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on March 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

D Mattias Ekholm

The Edmonton Oilers’ quest for defensive stability has been a long and arduous one. However, during last season’s trade deadline, the team made a move that would prove to be a game-changer. Defenseman Mattias Ekholm arrived in Edmonton, and his impact was nothing short of remarkable. Not only did Ekholm help the Oilers secure a playoff spot, but he also played a crucial role in the development of budding star Evan Bouchard. Now, as a new season looms, the Oilers face a pivotal preseason task: ensuring Ekholm gets the significant minutes he needs to help fortify the blue line.

Mattias Ekholm’s acquisition at the trade deadline was met with enthusiasm and optimism among fans. The team had long been in need of a reliable, experienced defenseman capable of anchoring the blue line, and Ekholm fit the bill perfectly. His presence provided immediate stability to a defensive unit that had been a perennial Achilles’ heel for the team.

The team have been perennially labelled as a team with immense offensive firepower but defensive frailty. Mattias Ekholm’s presence has the potential to change that narrative. His ability to shut down opponents’ forwards, make smart defensive plays, and contribute offensively makes him a valuable asset in the Oilers’ pursuit of becoming serious contenders for the Stanley Cup.

Mattias Ekholm’s arrival at the trade deadline was a turning point for the Edmonton Oilers’ defensive core. His impact on the development of Evan Bouchard and his ability to stabilize the blue line cannot be understated. The Oilers must ensure that Ekholm gets the significant minutes he needs to continue making a difference. With Ekholm in a prominent role, the Oilers have the potential to make the leap from pretenders to contenders in the upcoming season.

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