Why re-signing Mattias Ekholm should be the Oilers’ top priority before the 2025 season begins

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for a crucial offseason, all eyes are on how the franchise handles its impending free agents, most notably, captain Connor McDavid and defensive stalwart Mattias Ekholm.

While McDavid’s situation commands top billing, the decision surrounding Ekholm’s future could very well determine how competitive the Oilers remain over the next few seasons.

The Oilers have a Mattias Ekholm dilemma that could define their championship window moving forward

Since arriving from Nashville in February 2023, Ekholm has brought stability, composure, and elite-level poise to Edmonton’s blue line. That midseason acquisition remains one of the savviest trade deadline moves in recent Oilers history.

However, his recent playoff run—marred by injury and underwhelming performances—has raised concerns. “Single events can have enormous importance in a game, series, and season while also being single events.

” That sentiment lingers as management evaluates whether Ekholm's decline was circumstantial or indicative of long-term decline.

Despite a dip in form during the 2024 postseason, metrics and deployment patterns tell a deeper story.

Ekholm led the team in five-on-five minutes against elite opponents, posting a 57 percent Dangerous Fenwick and 50 percent goal share. His long-standing chemistry with Evan Bouchard, which has yielded a 58 percent Dangerous Fenwick and 55 percent goal share over 777 elite minutes, remains unmatched within the organization.Still, Ekholm’s age—35—and injury history create a legitimate pause. He played sparingly in March and was not at full strength during the Stanley Cup Final.

The question becomes not just whether the Oilers should re-sign him, but whether they can afford the risk of letting him go.

Edmonton’s depth chart is a looming concern

If the Oilers were confident in their internal options, perhaps they could gamble. But that’s not the case. With Philip Broberg now part of the St. Louis Blues and no immediate replacements emerging from the pipeline, the left side of Edmonton’s defense is vulnerable. Riley Stillman and Cam Dineen are AHL-bound veterans, while promising names like Paul Fischer and Nikita Yevseyev are still years away from NHL readiness.Should the Oilers part ways with Ekholm, Darnell Nurse would likely slot in on the top pair—a scenario that has proven suboptimal. While Jake Walman and Brett Kulak performed admirably last season, they too are entering free agency, potentially leaving a gaping hole.The harsh reality is this: If Ekholm reaches free agency next July, he’s as good as gone. “A contender will gladly give him a multi-year deal.” To avoid that, GM Stan Bowman needs to strike a balance—ideally a two- to three-year contract at around $5 million annually. This would offer Ekholm security while allowing Edmonton to maintain cap flexibility.It’s a calculated risk, yes. But if the Oilers are serious about contending now, it’s a gamble they can’t afford not to take.Also Read: Connor McDavid’s next deal could shatter records, and the Oilers will have $45 million to make it happen