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The Edmonton Oilers have provided a new update on the injury status of John Klingberg and Mattias Ekholm, confirming that both players will miss significantly time with injury.
Reports surfaced last week that the Oilers are considering shutting down Mattias Ekholm for an indefinite period, to heal up from an illness he's played through since January.
Mattias Ekholm and John Klingberg not joining Oilers on road trip
According to new reports from Oilers broadcaster Louie DeBrusk, both Ekholm and Klingberg aren't travelling with the team as they embark on a 4 game road trip.
DEBRUSK: hey are not on the road trip. From my understanding, they want to give Ekholm from what I've heard in the conversations with Kris (Knoblauch), I think this is a decision to give him time to fully heal.For Klingberg, I'm not as clear as to what the injury is. He blocked a shot, had a scan done, and I'm not sure of the results of that or what's going on there.
Klingberg's injury sounds like a structural issue of which they're still awaiting clear results of medical imaging. It's possible that he could miss several weeks before playoffs.
Previously, Knoblauch had reported that Ekholm and Klingberg would both be on the road trip - so they may have reconsidered their timelines already.
With Ekholm, the Oilers are taking an approach to rest up their 34 year old top pairing defenceman before the playoffs. Ekholm's been reported to be dealing with an illness going back to January, and was also playing through a minor injury.
Knoblauch was clear with the media today they're being extra cautious with Ekholm, trying to get him in prime position for the post season.
Where we are in the season, I think it's really important that we rest and recover. Especially with Ekholm, as much hockey as he's played, didn't have the break over the 4 Nations which would've been very beneficial for him. We just obviously want to get those guys as healthy as possible for the stretch.- Coach Knoblauch
The Oilers will obviously be a weaker team without Ekholm in their lineup for the short term, but resting him and having him in prime condition for the playoffs is a great priority for Knoblauch. Hopefully, he'll be at his best and fully healthy for the playoffs.
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