Mattias Ekholm confirms reasons why Oilers shut down from playing
Photo credit: Edmonton Oilers RAW
The Edmonton Oilers are finally getting Mattias Ekholm back after the veteran defenceman was shut down after the 4 Nations tournament, and now he's revealed what issues exactly held him out.
Ekholm ended up missing only six games, which is a positive considering his timeline was essentially indefinite. The Oilers expected him back sooner, but delayed his return even more to give him more time.
Mattias Ekholm confirms the reasons why he was shut down from playing
The 34 year old Swedish defenceman is usually one of the Oilers best defenders, but struggled upon returning from 4 Nations. The Oilers made the tough call to let him sit out to fully heal up, instead of playing through some issues.
Coach Knoblauch only ever confirmed an injury for Ekholm, but it was also reported the defenceman was dealing with an illness that stretched back months.
Speaking to the media today, Ekholm the Oilers shut him down to heal up from illness and a lower body injury. Now, he's ready to get back in the lineup.
Got my voice back, been battling a bit of a lower-body injury. It's kept me out but guys have done a great job. I'm feeling better.
I'm a vocal player out there too, so I need my voice to be out there to be able to communicate. That's a bigger hurdle than you might think.
I wasn't in game shape, that's the bottom line. I had an injury, it's not gone completely but I can manage it now and it feels really good.
- Mattias Ekholm
I'm a vocal player out there too, so I need my voice to be out there to be able to communicate. That's a bigger hurdle than you might think.
I wasn't in game shape, that's the bottom line. I had an injury, it's not gone completely but I can manage it now and it feels really good.
- Mattias Ekholm
Comparing the most recent interview to the last one of Ekholm speaking with Team Sweden, the difference in his voice is stark.
It's tough to hear he's still dealing with the minor problem, but if he's ready to get back into playing, the Oilers will welcome back their Viking blueliner.
Mattias Ekholm return will make Oilers blue line best in years
With the return of Mattias Ekholm and the addition of Jake Walman now, the Oilers blue line is shaping up to the best it's been in many years.
Ekholm will return to play with his regular partner Evan Bouchard, and Walman will slide down to play alongside Darnell Nurse. Even the Oilers third pair is very strong with the vet Kulak and newcomer Emberson.
The Oilers are shaping up to be a very complete playoff blueline, and tonight's return of Ekholm to the top pair will kick start it.
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MARS 18 | 465 ANSWERS Mattias Ekholm confirms reasons why Oilers shut down from playing Do you think this is the best Oilers defensive group in the last 10 years? | ||
| Yes | 296 | 63.7 % |
| No | 169 | 36.3 % |
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