Oilers Secure Ekholm with Three-Year Contract Extension
The Edmonton Oilers have announced a significant move by extending the contract of defenceman Mattias Ekholm. The three-year extension is valued at an average annual salary of $4 million.
Mattias Ekholm’s Impressive Performance
During the 2024-25 NHL season, Ekholm played in 65 regular-season games. The 35-year-old recorded nine goals and 24 assists, totaling 33 points. His plus-minus rating stood at +11, showcasing his defensive contributions.
Despite facing a late-season injury, Ekholm made a strong return during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He participated in seven games, adding one goal and five assists to his playoff totals.
Defensive Contributions
Ekholm averaged 22:12 minutes of ice time per game, which ranked third among Oilers defensemen for the season. His time spent on the penalty kill was notable, totaling 135:52 minutes.
- Blocked Shots: 95
- Hits: 42
- Takeaways: 35
Oilers Career and NHL Background
Since joining the Oilers before the 2023 NHL trade deadline, Ekholm has appeared in 165 games. He has accumulated 24 goals and 68 assists, resulting in 92 points and a remarkable plus-minus rating of +83.
Ekholm is a seasoned NHL player with 884 career games played. He has achieved a total of 360 points, which includes 86 goals and 274 assists. His plus-minus rating stands impressively at +187 throughout his career.
Playoff Experience
In addition to his regular-season success, Ekholm has participated in 44 playoff games with the Oilers. He has contributed significantly, recording seven goals and 16 assists.
His playoff pedigree includes three trips to the Stanley Cup Final, where he has played in an additional 119 playoff games, netting 13 goals and 45 assists. This experience positions him as a valuable asset for the Oilers moving forward.
