Edmonton Oilers Focus on Defensive Stability as Contract Talks Begin with Veteran Mattias Ekholm and Key Core Contributors
The Edmonton Oilers, after a hard-fought journey that brought them to the brink of hockey immortality, are now actively engaged in one of the NHL’s most crucial offseason phases—roster management. While the sting of falling just short in the Stanley Cup Final still lingers, the front office is wasting no time pivoting toward 2025 with an unwavering goal: securing the foundation of a team that can make another serious push. Key to that strategy is maintaining stability on the blue line, where veteran Mattias Ekholm’s presence remains invaluable.
The 34-year-old defenseman, who brought poise, structure, and defensive intelligence since being acquired from the Nashville Predators in 2023, is now at the center of Edmonton’s contract extension conversations. Despite his age, Ekholm has continued to play at a high level, serving not just as a physical and reliable blueliner but also as a calming presence in the locker room and on the ice.
Edmonton’s front office, led by general manager Jeff Jackson and new team president of hockey operations Ken Holland’s successor, sees Ekholm as more than just a capable top-four defenseman. They view him as a cornerstone of the team’s structure. As discussions unfold, the Oilers are reportedly seeking to offer Ekholm a short-term extension that reflects his contributions, leadership, and physical durability without overextending into his late 30s.
The move isn’t happening in a vacuum. Edmonton’s defense, while bolstered by players like Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard, still requires experience and balance. Nurse provides athleticism and toughness but has been prone to lapses in positioning and discipline. Bouchard, on the other hand, continues to evolve into one of the NHL’s premier offensive defensemen, showcasing a potent shot from the point and elite puck movement. However, neither brings the same well-rounded veteran polish that Ekholm does, especially during the high-pressure moments that define the postseason.
The Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final exposed both their strengths and weaknesses. While the offense, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, overwhelmed opponents in bursts, it was the defensive structure that allowed them to survive long series against disciplined teams like Dallas and Vancouver. Ekholm’s consistency in defensive zone exits, gap control, and penalty kill work played a pivotal role in Edmonton’s deep playoff journey.
More than just re-signing Ekholm, the Oilers’ front office is reportedly examining the broader shape of the defensive unit. With Brett Kulak and Cody Ceci under contract and young talent like Philip Broberg and Markus Niemeläinen pushing for more ice time, the challenge becomes one of fit, depth, and cap efficiency. Edmonton isn’t just building a defense for the regular season—they’re assembling a group tailored for playoff resilience.
That is why they’re also keeping tabs on market dynamics across the league. While the priority is internal—namely re-signing Ekholm and deciding on the futures of depth contributors like Vincent Desharnais—the Oilers are also rumored to be in low-key conversations with a few potential free agent targets who could provide affordable depth or right-shot balance.
Ekholm’s potential extension will also impact the Oilers’ financial flexibility moving forward. With McDavid and Draisaitl set to command massive extensions (Draisaitl’s coming up as soon as next summer), Edmonton’s management must balance commitment to veterans with the cap realities of a top-heavy roster. That makes Ekholm’s extension even more delicate—rewarding the veteran for his elite contributions while not hamstringing the team when those mega-deals come due.
One thing is certain: the players want Ekholm to remain. Teammates have praised him consistently since his arrival, noting his ability to bring a calming energy on the bench and a no-nonsense approach in the defensive zone. His transition from Nashville to Edmonton was seamless—Ekholm embraced the Canadian hockey culture and leaned into a leadership role that’s only grown in importance.
His pairing with Evan Bouchard, in particular, has blossomed into one of the league’s most balanced duos. Ekholm’s defensive awareness allows Bouchard to activate offensively with confidence, knowing he has reliable cover behind him. That chemistry was visible throughout the 2024 playoff run, with Bouchard tallying key points and Ekholm handling tough defensive assignments. Re-signing Ekholm not only retains a top-four defender—it helps unlock Bouchard’s full potential.
The extension talks aren’t expected to drag on. Both sides appear motivated to come to an agreement before training camp begins. Ekholm has made it known he enjoys Edmonton and believes in the team’s championship potential, while the front office has consistently reiterated their appreciation for his all-around impact.
Beyond Ekholm, the Oilers are also weighing the futures of other key blueliners and role players. Brett Kulak, another steady performer during the playoffs, could be part of trade conversations as the team attempts to maximize cap efficiency. Cody Ceci’s status is also being evaluated. While Ceci has had stretches of reliability, some in the organization believe his role may be reduced moving forward in favor of younger, more dynamic defensemen.
Internally, Edmonton hopes that former top prospect Philip Broberg can finally take a big step forward. Broberg has shown flashes of NHL-caliber ability but hasn’t yet solidified his place in the regular lineup. A breakthrough season from him would significantly ease the financial pressure on the Oilers’ blue line while adding youth and speed to the bottom pair.
Another factor in the Oilers’ long-term defensive planning is the development of their AHL pipeline. Players like Michael Kesselring, Cam Dineen, and Max Wanner are all on the radar. While not all will make the jump, even one emerging as a competent NHL contributor could help Edmonton navigate the salary cap squeeze looming on the horizon.
All these considerations point to one truth: Edmonton is no longer operating like a team that’s happy to make the playoffs. Their decisions reflect a franchise that now thinks in championship windows, in dynastic opportunities. Retaining Ekholm, integrating youth, managing the cap—all of it matters more when a team is chasing banners, not just wins.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Ekholm’s deal can be finalized swiftly and whether the Oilers choose to move any current roster pieces to create flexibility. The management group is also aware of the optics—sending a message to the locker room that they’re committed to keeping their contending core intact.
There’s also the question of Leon Draisaitl’s looming extension. While technically not due until next offseason, the Oilers will need to approach those talks with the understanding that every current decision—Ekholm’s contract included—affects their ability to retain the elite duo of McDavid and Draisaitl long-term.
In many ways, Ekholm’s extension could serve as a bellwether for how Edmonton intends to operate in this era of contention. Prioritizing strong locker room culture, postseason-ready experience, and chemistry with star players like Bouchard all signal a more mature, focused front office vision.
The Oilers’ Stanley Cup window is wide open, but windows don’t stay open forever. The moves made this offseason—starting with locking down Mattias Ekholm—could determine how long Edmonton remains a true title threat.
For now, fans can take comfort in knowing that management is not sitting idle. They recognize what they have. And they’re acting like a franchise that intends to finish what they started.
