Mattias Ekholm’s season can get even stronger
Mattias Ekholm has been one of the Oilers best pickups since he arrived via trade in February 2023, and through 21 regular season games last season, fans saw just what kind of asset the organization acquired. He put up 14 points and four goals in that small sample size, and despite not reaching that same threshold so far this season, it doesn’t mean he’s been any less effective.
Through 44 games, Ekholm has remained one of the Oilers most physical players, recording 75 hits and 53 blocks from the beginning of the season to the All-Star Break. He is once again logging top-four minutes regularly, skating for an average of 20:58 nightly.
Edmonton’s 5-on-5 play has also been excellent with Ekholm on the ice, averaging a stellar 61.0 Corsi For percentage, and 61.2 in the Fenwick. These two numbers are increases over what he accomplished during his short stretch with the team in the regular season last year, and if he keeps playing well, those numbers should keep increasing.
Ekholm may be in his 12th full NHL season, but his productivity and endurance haven’t gone anywhere. If that keeps up during the most pivotal part of the season, the Oilers will continue trending north in the standings.