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Oilers set to see drastic change with key defenceman Mattias Ekholm next season
Photo credit: USA Today Sports
The Edmonton Oilers lost key defenceman Mattias Ekholm to multiple different injuries and illnesses last year, but next season will be much different for the key defender.
Ekholm missed a total of 17 regular season games, and wasn't able to play until the Conference Final in the playoffs. The Oilers defence has been rated the best in the NHL with him healthy, and he'll be ready for camp next year.
Mattias Ekholm will benefit greatly from added recovery time after serious injury
Ekholm's injury was never directly revealed by the Edmonton Oilers, but the defenceman inferred that it was a very serious problem - and he was shocked he could play in the playoffs at all.
It's amazing. Six weeks ago, I had no clue where I was going to be at (in terms of recovery), and most people didn't think I was going to be in this position. So, to be able to be part of this group, to be part of things on the ice and help this team win has obviously been the goal the whole time.
And now that it's reality, it's awesome for me, personally.
- Mattias Ekholm
And now that it's reality, it's awesome for me, personally.
- Mattias Ekholm
Now with a full offseason of rest from whatever the injury was, Ekholm coming back fully healthy will be a major benefit to the Oilers next season. When he's in the lineup, his pairing with Bouchard is one of the best pairs in the NHL - and forms the best 5 man units in the league too.
Of course, there's some concern about a decline in play from the veteran entering his age 36 season with a severe recent injury - but a healthy Ekholm will be a major boost.
Hopefully Ekholm can raise his game back to his usual standard next season, and if he does, Edmonton's blue line will once again be among the tops in the NHL.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 26 | 375 ANSWERS Oilers set to see drastic change with key defenceman Mattias Ekholm next season Do you think Ekholm will be fully healthy next year? | ||
| Yes | 297 | 79.2 % |
| No | 78 | 20.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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