As Connor McDavid continues to lead the charge for the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference Final, the team could be reinforced by the return of a critical piece of their defensive core. Mattias Ekholm, who has been sidelined since early April, is inching closer to a comeback as Edmonton prepares for Game 4 against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night.
Ekholm, 35, last played on April 11 in a win over the San Jose Sharks, logging just 1:52 of ice time before exiting due to an undisclosed injury. That appearance came after missing seven games, and the prognosis at the time suggested he could be out for the entire postseason.
However, after skating consistently with the team since May 19, the defenseman sounded optimistic on Monday. “I’m feeling great, a lot better than I thought I would at this point,” Ekholm said via NHL.com.
He added: “I think it’s imminent… I’m happy with my body and how I feel.” His potential return offers a major boost to an Edmonton team already brimming with confidence after a 6-1 win in Game 3 gave them a 2-1 series lead.
Mattias Ekholm #14 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on February 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Oilers managing injuries, shuffling lineup
Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Ekholm remains day to day: “We’ll do what’s best for the team and for him. When he’s ready, we’ll put him in the lineup.”
see also
Connor McDavid and the Oilers receive strong warning from Stars’ Mason Marchment ahead of Game 3
While the Oilers may be gaining a defenseman, they’ll be without Connor Brown, who exited Game 3 after absorbing a heavy hit from Alexander Petrovic. Knoblauch indicated the team could adjust by going with 11 forwards and seven defensemen, a setup that would allow Ekholm to gradually ramp up.
Pickard skates again
Another positive development came in net, where Calvin Pickard returned to practice for the first time since sustaining a lower-body injury on May 8. The 33-year-old has gone 6-0 in the postseason and could be available to back up Stuart Skinner on Tuesday.
Pickard recalled the incident that forced him out, when Tomas Hertl fell on his leg during a collision: “It wasn’t great… I was running on straight adrenalin,” he said. “Our medical staff did a great job getting me back.”
McDavid’s moment, Oilers’ momentum
With McDavid orchestrating the offense and the Oilers hitting their stride, the return of a defensive anchor like Ekholm could provide the balance needed to take full control of the series. Game 4 could be a turning point — and Edmonton appears poised to seize it.
