Oilers insider shares new update on status of Mattias Ekholm for Round 3

Speaking to the media earlier this week, Oilers coach Knoblauch ruled out Ekholm for Games 1 and 2 of the series. However, him travelling with the team suggests good news.

At Oilers practice today before departing to Dallas, reporters saw Ekholm practicing near full speed.

Additionally, there's a belief that Ekholm could travel with the team to Dallas for the first two games, which means he would get into at least one more practice before returning to play.

Ekholm has missed a majority of Oilers games since the 4 Nations Faceoff dealing with multiple injuries and illnesses. The 34 year old has clearly been battling multiple injuries all season, and whatever is holding him out until now must have been serious.

He's been ruled out for an indefinite period of time for so long with an undisclosed injury, that's why it's such a good sight to see him flying in practice again.

When Ekholm is able to return to the lineup, the Oilers will have one of the strongest defensive groups in the entire NHL playoffs. Running 11 forwards and 7 defence may even make the most sense for their depth.

It's great news that the Oilers will almost be at full health in the middle of the third round. In the final stretch of the playoffs, the Oilers are coming together to play their most complete hockey of the season at the right time.