Mattias Ekholm’s injury is a significant obstacle for the Edmonton Oilers as they prepare for their playoff journey. But adversity often reveals character, and this will be a true test of the team’s depth, coaching, and resolve
While the timing is unfortunate, the Oilers are not without hope. With strong leadership, creative tactics, and a next-man-up mentality, they still have all the tools to compete — and perhaps even thrive — in his absence.
As the puck drops on the 2024-25 postseason, all eyes will be on how Edmonton responds.
Mattias Ekholm’s injury is undoubtedly a setback, but it also presents an opportunity. It’s a chance for players like Darnell Nurse to lead and for Evan Bouchard to evolve into the star many believe he can be.
As the playoffs begin, Edmonton enters the unknown—but with the right mindset, adjustments, and a little bit of luck, they still have the firepower and talent to make a deep run.
Also Read: Mattias Ekholm (NFL): Contract Breakdown, Career Earnings, Legacy and Promotion
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Mattias Ekholm: Sidelined for Round One
The Edmonton Oilers’ dreams of a deep Stanley Cup playoff run have hit an early obstacle.1
On Monday, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm will not be available for the first round of the playoffs.
The news comes at a difficult time for the Oilers, who are still recovering from last year’s heartbreaking Game 7 exit.
Ekholm’s absence creates a noticeable void on the Oilers’ blue line. Known for his steady play, leadership, and physical presence, Ekholm was a key piece in Edmonton’s late-season defensive cohesion.
Without him, the Oilers must now rely on other members of their defensive core to fill the gap.
The Ripple Effect of Ekholm’s Absence
Ekholm brings a calming presence on the ice and often takes on the toughest defensive assignments. His ability to read plays, break up rushes, and move the puck cleanly has been an essential asset since joining the team.
Losing him not only weakens the defensive unit, but also disrupts established pairings and chemistry on the back end. It also puts added pressure on younger defensemen, many of whom lack Ekholm’s playoff experience and poise under pressure.
To assess the state of the Oilers’ defense, NHL analyst and former player Rob Brown shared his perspective on Sportsnet 590 The FAN with Nick Kypreos and Justin Bourne. Brown began his assessment by highlighting Darnell Nurse’s importance to the team.
“[Nurse] struggled last year. He did not have a great playoff,” Brown admitted. “But he’s been probably the Oilers’ most consistent defenseman this year.”
Nurse’s bounce-back season has been a bright spot for Edmonton. His mobility, physicality, and improved decision-making have allowed him to reestablish himself as a top-pairing blueliner.
A Simpler Game, a Sharper Edge
Brown emphasized how Nurse’s return to form was rooted in a shift in mindset.
“He simplified his game,” Brown said. “He’s playing with more edge.”
Rather than trying to do too much offensively or taking high-risk chances, Nurse has adopted a more straightforward, physical approach. He’s become more selective about his offensive forays and has focused on shutting down opposing top lines.
This evolution is key for the Oilers, especially in the postseason where mistakes are magnified, and every inch of ice is contested fiercely.
Heavy Minutes Ahead: Nurse’s Increased Responsibility
With Ekholm unavailable, Nurse will almost certainly see an uptick in ice time and will likely face the opposition’s most dangerous forwards.
His role as a leader on and off the ice will be crucial in helping stabilize the defense.
Brown expects Nurse to be up to the challenge, noting his growth in maturity and poise.
His physical style is well-suited to playoff hockey, and his ability to play upwards of 25-30 minutes per game could be a difference-maker.
Mattias Ekholm: Bouchard Under the Microscope
While Nurse has stepped up, Evan Bouchard’s season has drawn mixed reviews.2
Statistically, Bouchard has had an impressive campaign with 67 points in 80 games. However, as Brown noted, the young defenseman has had lapses in consistency.
“It’s been a struggle this year at times for Evan Bouchard,” Brown said. “He’s capable of more, and they’re going to need more if Ekholm’s not in the lineup.”
Flashes of Brilliance: Bouchard’s Playoff Pedigree
In last year’s playoffs, Bouchard emerged as a dynamic offensive weapon from the blue line.
He tallied 32 points in the postseason, including six goals and 26 assists, and had a +14 rating. His breakout performance gave fans and analysts hope that he could become a true top-pairing defenseman.
Brown believes that Bouchard must now return to that level.
“They’re going to need Evan Bouchard to play like he did in the playoffs last year,” Brown emphasized.
His shot from the point, power-play quarterbacking, and offensive instincts will be vital assets for Edmonton—especially with Ekholm’s steady presence missing.
Elevated Expectations: Can Bouchard Rise Again?
Bouchard’s ability to handle over 23 minutes of ice time per game during the regular season suggests he has the endurance and skill set required.
However, his defensive reliability remains a concern. Turnovers, missed assignments, and poor positioning have occasionally haunted his game.
Playoff hockey demands a complete game, and while Bouchard has the tools to be a game-changer offensively, he must tighten up defensively. The Oilers need him to embrace the challenge and prove he can carry more responsibility.
Mattias Ekholm: Adjustments Behind the Bench
Kris Knoblauch now faces a tough decision in structuring his defensive pairs.3
Will he pair Nurse with Bouchard to balance offense and defense? Or will he spread the talent more evenly across the lineup?
Regardless of the combinations, Knoblauch will have to rely on depth players and potentially even give young defensemen more ice time.
It’s also possible that General Manager Ken Holland may consider calling up a player from the AHL if further injuries occur.
Injuries are a part of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the best teams are often those that find ways to overcome adversity.
The Oilers must adopt a “next man up” mentality and trust that their systems and depth can carry them through this challenging period.
The forward group, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, may need to shoulder more of the load. A more aggressive forecheck and improved puck possession could help alleviate some of the pressure on the depleted defense.
A Gut Check for the Oilers
This first-round series will be a true test of Edmonton’s resilience. Ekholm’s absence leaves a leadership vacuum and a defensive hole. Nurse and Bouchard will be leaned on heavily, and every mistake will be amplified.
Rob Brown’s insights provide a realistic but hopeful outlook. If Nurse continues his stellar play and Bouchard rediscovers his postseason form, the Oilers have a fighting chance to advance.
Edmonton is not just trying to survive the first round—they’re chasing the Stanley Cup. The team has invested heavily in building a core capable of winning it all.
Another early exit would not only be disappointing—it would raise questions about the team’s future direction.
For now, though, the focus is on overcoming the immediate challenge: a playoff series without one of their best defenders. How the Oilers respond in these coming days could define their entire postseason.
Also Read: Mattias Ekholm Shuts Down Reporter with Bold Response to Oilers’ Performance Without McDavid
Mattias Ekholm’s Value to the Oilers
Mattias Ekholm has been more than just a solid defenseman for Edmonton.
Since joining the team from the Nashville Predators, he has become an integral part of their defensive core. Known for his puck-moving skills and steady play, Ekholm has added balance and veteran leadership to the blue line.
In the 2024-25 season, Ekholm recorded 26 points at 5-on-5 play — a statistic that ranks him among the top defensemen in the league.
His ability to transition the puck from the defensive zone and contribute offensively has made him a key part of the team’s strategy.
Defensive Depth Will Be Tested
Without Ekholm, the Oilers will need to rely heavily on their remaining defensemen. Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, Cody Ceci, and Brett Kulak will be expected to shoulder more responsibility.
While Bouchard has had a breakout season offensively, Ekholm’s defensive reliability is not easily replaced.
Rookie defensemen or depth players such as Vincent Desharnais and Philip Broberg may see more ice time, but their inexperience could be a concern, especially under playoff pressure.
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What This Means for the Playoffs
The timing of Ekholm’s injury couldn’t be worse. The Stanley Cup Playoffs demand depth, durability, and experience — all qualities that Ekholm brings.
Losing him for at least the first round creates a significant void in both the defensive structure and the locker room leadership.
The Oilers, who have legitimate championship aspirations, will now need to adjust their strategies and pairings.
Defensive zone exits could become more difficult, and the penalty kill may also be less effective without Ekholm’s presence.
Replacing Ekholm: Can Anyone Fill the Void?
There’s no direct replacement for a player like Mattias Ekholm, but the Oilers will have to make do.
Evan Bouchard, known for his offensive skills, may be asked to play in more shutdown situations. Meanwhile, Darnell Nurse, already logging heavy minutes, could see his workload increase further.
If Desharnais or Broberg are inserted into the lineup more regularly, they’ll have to step up quickly. Both have shown flashes of potential but haven’t consistently played top-four minutes.
Mattias Ekholm: Fan Reaction and Media Buzz
Unsurprisingly, the news of Ekholm’s absence has generated a strong response from Oilers fans.
Many took to social media to express concern, while others speculated about what the injury could be. The lack of transparency has only fueled the uncertainty.
Local and national media have emphasized how pivotal Ekholm has been to Edmonton’s resurgence on defense. His acquisition last season was a turning point, helping solidify the team’s back end and providing much-needed balance.
The Final Regular-Season Game: A Dress Rehearsal
With just one game left in the regular season — again against the San Jose Sharks — the Oilers are likely to use it as a final test run before the playoffs begin.
This could be a chance to experiment with new defensive pairings and give fringe players a chance to prove themselves.
It’s also an opportunity for Knoblauch to fine-tune his strategy for life without Ekholm, at least temporarily.
Every shift in this game could provide valuable insight into what adjustments are working and what might need rethinking.
The Bigger Picture: Contending Without a Key Piece
Every playoff team faces adversity — for the Oilers, it comes in the form of losing a top-four defenseman just before the most important stretch of the season.
While it’s undoubtedly a setback, this situation also presents an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion.
Edmonton still has elite offensive talent, solid goaltending, and a deeper lineup than in years past.
If the rest of the team can elevate their play, they still have the potential to make a deep run, even without one of their defensive anchors.
Also Read: Edmonton Oilers’ Last-Minute LTIR Move Shocks Fans: What’s Going On with Klingberg?
