September 5, 2025 | 8:31pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

EKHOLM WANTS TO STAY IN EDMONTON

Mattias Ekholm, defenceman

The Edmonton Oilers have several players in the final year of their respective contracts and while none are more important than captain Connor McDavid, players like Stuart Skinner, Mattias Ekholm, Jake Walman and Adam Henrique are important pieces to the roster.

Ekholm, 35, spoke with the media in Edmonton on Friday and acknowledged that he wouldn’t mind securing his immediate future when the opportunity to do so presents itself.

“Obviously, it’s a contract year, but I’m also getting up there where I know what I bring on the ice and it’s not a huge deal (to wait),” he said. “I also have a family, so I obviously want to make sure we have security of some sort.”

Ekholm also admitted that his preference is to sign an extension with the Oilers. He is in the last year of a four-year, $25 million contract he signed with the Nashville Predators.

“Do I want to stay in Edmonton? Absolutely, and I’m sure there will be discussions about it,” he said.

It is unclear what type of deal Ekholm wants and when his agent plans on speaking with Oilers GM Stan Bowman. While he understands he does not sit atop the food chain in Edmonton, Ekholm respects the fact that the league’s top player comes first.

“I’ve been in the league long enough to know you take care of the big boys first,” he said.

After registering a career-high 11 goals and 45 points in 2023-24 with the Oilers, Ekholm tallied nine goals and 24 assists for 33 points in 65 games last season with Edmonton.