During the 2024-25 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers faced significant challenges from injuries, which affected their performance against the Florida Panthers. Among the most notable absences was forward Zach Hyman, who missed the entire series. Additionally, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins revealed he had played through a broken hand, while Mattias Ekholm’s specific injury remained undisclosed. Ekholm missed substantial time toward the end of the regular season and did not return until Game 5 of the Western Conference Final, appearing noticeably limited in mobility and effectiveness once back on the ice.

Despite Ekholm’s playoff statistics showing one goal and five assists over seven games, his on-ice performance seemed uneven. Observers noted struggles particularly in the later stages of the Cup Final, where he had uncharacteristic turnovers and difficulty keeping up with the Panthers’ offensive threats, signaling that he was far from fully recovered.

Signs of Decline Could Signal Challenges Ahead for Ekholm

Questions now arise about whether Ekholm’s struggles were solely due to injury or if they mark the beginning of a downturn in his career. At 35 years old, the defensive stalwart’s consistency had already shown signs of fading during the 2024-25 regular season before injuries worsened his situation. While he remained a solid player, his level of play dipped from the dominant status he enjoyed earlier in his career.

It is not uncommon for defensemen who play with a high physical demand, like Ekholm, to experience a decline around this stage of their career. The concern within the Oilers organization and among fans is whether he can continue to handle the heavy, hard minutes he was trusted with since joining Edmonton in the 2022-23 season.

Mattias Ekholm Retains Significant Trade Value

One reason the Oilers might consider trading Ekholm before the upcoming offseason is financial flexibility. With the need to re-sign key players such as Evan Bouchard and potentially retain forwards Connor Brown and Corey Perry, plus addressing the goaltending situation, the Oilers face several salary cap challenges. Many players on their roster have no-movement clauses, yet Ekholm’s contract does not have such protections, making him a valuable trade candidate.

Ekholm is entering the final year of a $6 million cap hit deal, which has been beneficial to Edmonton given his previous contributions. Even after recent declines, his experience and left-shot defense position make him attractive to other teams. Trading him now could yield a fair return without requiring Edmonton to retain salary, a possibility that may diminish if his performance continues to slide during the 2025-26 season.

Oilers Confident in Replacement Options Within the Roster

Although Ekholm’s departure would be a notable loss for the Oilers and their supporters, the team may have a viable internal solution ready to step up. Jake Walman, acquired from the San Jose Sharks at the 2024-25 trade deadline, offers promise as a left-shot defenseman capable of filling top-pairing minutes.

Walman is seen as a player with potential to perform as well as, or possibly better than, Ekholm has in recent times, while carrying a significantly lower salary of $3.4 million for the next season. This financial advantage could allow Edmonton to pursue an additional left-side defenseman if needed. Given these factors, it is reasonable to expect Mattias Ekholm’s name to surface frequently in trade discussions this offseason.

Balancing Hockey Performance with Financial Strategy

The Oilers’ decision on Mattias Ekholm represents a critical moment where hockey operations must weigh on-ice contributions against salary cap realities. Ekholm’s injury history and signs of declining play complicate his long-term fit with the team, especially as Edmonton aims to remain competitive in a demanding Western Conference. The presence of younger defensive options like Walman provides the franchise with alternatives, making a trade scenario increasingly plausible.

How Edmonton manages this situation could shape their lineup and salary flexibility moving forward, influencing their ability to retain other core players and strengthen areas of need. The offseason promises to be a pivotal time for the Oilers as they decide whether parting ways with Ekholm is the right move to maintain their Stanley Cup aspirations.