The Edmonton Oilers’ championship hopes took a potential hit Saturday following the concerning development taking place on Friday's win over the San Jose Sharks.
As TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported one day after that victory, veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm could be lost for the remainder of the season, depending on the outcome of further testing.
Ekholm was forced out of Friday’s 4–2 win after just two shifts, sparking concern that was only deepened by head coach Kris Knoblauch’s postgame comments.
“It is a possibility with one of those guys,” Knoblauch said when asked about the possibility of Ekholm or forward Zach Hyman missing postseason games, both of whom exited Friday's game early. “Will need to talk to the doctor.”
Rishaug followed up on Saturday with a more alarming assessment.
“Tough news for Oilers and Ekholm,” Rishaug reported on X. “Hearing there are further tests to be done, but it’s believed to be a serious injury that, worst-case scenario, may end his season, best-case scenario, will keep him sidelined for quite some time.”
Ekholm had just returned from a seven-game absence caused by a lower-body issue. His brief comeback ended after 1:52 of ice time. After struggling to maintain balance he headed straight to the dressing room.
The 34-year-old Ekholm has been a key piece for Edmonton, averaging over 22 minutes per night this season while producing 33 points in 64 games, posting an 11 plus/minus valuation.
The team already played Friday without Leon Draisaitl, Jake Walman, Trent Frederic, and Evander Kane, and with playoff seeding still at stake, depth concerns are mounting.
The Oilers sit third in the Pacific Division with a 46-28-5 record and 97 points, four points back of the Los Angeles Kings with three games left in both teams' schedules.
