NHL News: Connor McDavid's Oilers get emotional lift as key player returns for Stanley Cup Final vs Panthers

Edmonton Oilers have a chance to defeat the Florida Panthers in a rematch of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Final. After falling short in last season’s championship series, the team led by star Connor McDavid is now looking to have all their players ready to make history.

The Panthers won the Stanley Cup in 2024, earning the franchise’s first championship. It was a hard-fought battle that went to seven games against the Oilers, and given how evenly matched both teams are, the depth of the roster will be critical to improving Edmonton’s chances this time around.

In this context, McDavid has regained a key teammate in Mattias Ekholm, a crucial piece on defense. After suffering an injury in late March, his return comes at the perfect time as the Oilers seek revenge at the most important stage of the playoffs.

Ekholm’s message about returning to the ice

“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,” Ekholm said, according to NHL.com.

Mattias Ekholm, #14 of the Edmonton Oilers, during an NHL game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C., United States of America.

“And now that it’s reality, it’s awesome for me, personally,” he added. Ekholm returned in Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, contributing an assist in the 6–3 win that secured Edmonton’s second straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.

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When did Ekholm get injured?

Ekholm suffered a lower-body injury on March 26, 2025, which kept him out for most of the end of the regular season and the early playoff rounds. He attempted a return on April 11 against the San Jose Sharks but managed only three shifts, logging just 1:52 of ice time before leaving the game after going down twice without contact.