Oilers 2026-27 Player Previews: Mattias Ekholm

The 2026-27 season is almost here, so let’s continue our Edmonton Oilers player preview series. The last player we looked at was Mattias Janmark, and now we turn our attention to another Mattias.

Mattias Ekholm had a fairly productive offensive season in 2025-26, recording six goals and 41 points with a plus-32 rating, averaging 20:36 per game. 38 points came at even strength, which was tied for 16th among defencemen. He also ranked ninth among defencemen in plus/minus, and 15th overall.

He had a significant injury in 2024-25, playing just 65 regular-season games. That kept him sidelined until Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, where he clearly wasn’t 100 percent. However, he stayed healthy last season, playing all 82 games for the first time since 2016-17.

The veteran blueliner inked a three-year contract extension with Edmonton before last season, with a $4 million cap hit. While regression is imminent given his age, he’s still an effective player and is on a reasonable contract. Let’s preview what his 2026-27 season could look like.

Best Case Scenario

Since he was acquired at the 2023 Trade Deadline, he has been a staple on the top pair alongside Evan Bouchard and has logged heavy minutes. Bouchard was beginning his career and was starting to establish himself as a future number-one defenceman, and Ekholm came in and helped elevate him. Who knows where Bouchard would be without Ekholm’s guidance through those early years.

Now, the roles are reversed, and Bouchard has elevated Ekholm. They play extremely well together and complement each other nicely. Ekholm is 36 years old and is not the player he once was. With that said, the best-case scenario would be if the Swedish blueliner could maintain his level of play and continue playing with Bouchard on the top pair. He has earned that spot and shouldn’t lose it unless someone else steps up and takes it.

Last season his advanced metrics were great. When he was on the ice at 5-on-5, the Oilers had 56.50 percent of the shots, 57.10 percent of the scoring chances, 58.01 percent of the high-danger scoring chances, and 55.63 percent of the goals. He was a productive player, and if he can duplicate those advanced analytics, that would be a positive season.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst-case scenario would be if his age catches up to him faster than expected. Father Time is undefeated, and if he has a bad season, he’s still under contract for two more years, which isn’t ideal. If he underwhelms and under-delivers, a bounce-back seems likely. Under five goals and 25 points would be a disappointment, especially if he’s on the top pair. That means he has regressed to the point where Bouchard can’t elevate him anymore. Once that happens, it’s time to give him a lesser role.

The Oilers have solid options on the left side of the blue line. Therefore, Ekholm can be replaced if he struggles. Jake Walman or Ryan Shea can step up and fill that spot. The organization has improved the defence group, so moving Ekholm down the lineup won’t be a detriment. Ice time must be earned, so it’s up to him to keep playing at a high level.

Can Ekholm Stay Healthy?

Health was on Ekholm’s side last season, but is that sustainable? He has played 966 NHL games, spanning 15 seasons, so there’s a lot of wear and tear on his body. He plays a tough, physical, and hard-nosed style, which takes a toll over time. He has battled injuries in the past, and before last season, he hadn’t played 80 games since 2018-19. He also hasn’t had consecutive 80+ game seasons since he had five straight from 2014-2019.

Ekholm had a slow start last season after dealing with a nagging injury, but as he got up to speed and fully recovered, his play improved drastically. If he can stay on the ice and be near 100 percent, he still has a lot to offer.

What should we expect from Ekholm, and can he continue being a top-pairing defenceman? Keep following The Hockey Writers as we continue the Oilers’ player previews in preparation for this season.

Advanced stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.