Image credit: ClutchPoints

Oilers dealt brutal injury update ahead of playoffs

Originally posted on NHL on ClutchPoints
By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 4:57 PM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are heading into the playoffs facing a nightmare scenario, with injuries mounting at the worst possible time. Key contributors like Mattias Ekholm and Zach Hyman went down in a critical game against the San Jose Sharks, leaving the team’s depth severely tested. With the regular season nearing its end, what once looked like a promising playoff push is now overshadowed by growing uncertainty and a dangerously depleted roster.

A new devastating update has shaken the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff hopes, as veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm may be out for the rest of the 2024-2025 NHL season due to injury. Reported by Oilers journalist Ryan Rishaug on Saturday, this setback adds to the growing injury concerns for Edmonton, further stretching the team’s depth as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.

“Tough news for Oilers and Ekholm. Hearing there are further tests to be done, but it’s believed to be a serious injury that worst case scenario may end his season, best case scenario will keep him sidelined for quite some time,” said Rishaug in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Ekholm’s status is still unconfirmed, with additional tests needed to determine the injury’s severity, as reported by Rishaug. However, it appears to be a serious setback, likely hindering the Oilers’ playoff chances, regardless of the test results.

Mattias Ekholm’s short return for the Oilers

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm (14) shoots the puck against the Florida Panthers during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Oilers defenceman made his return on Friday after being sidelined since March 26, but his time on the ice was brief, lasting only two shifts before he was forced back to the sidelines. Now, the devastating news emerges that the top-pairing defenseman could be out for the rest of the season.

Ekholm missed seven straight games before briefly returning on Friday, having played just four of Edmonton’s previous 17 contests. This season, he has tallied nine goals, 24 assists, and 33 points in 64 games, with a plus/minus of +11 and an average of over 22 minutes of ice time per game.

As Edmonton’s injury list grows, the Oilers have called up a familiar face. The team announced that center Derek Ryan has been recalled from AHL Bakersfield on an emergency basis. Additionally, defenseman Cam Dineen, who was recalled on Thursday and sent back to the minors late Friday, is also back with the team.

Dineen wasn’t needed Friday night with Mattias Ekholm returning to the lineup, but after Ekholm exited just a few shifts in and with Jake Walman’s status for Sunday still uncertain, Dineen will remain with the Oilers a bit longer.

With the Stanley Cup playoffs on the line, Ekholm’s potential absence leaves the Oilers’ postseason aspirations clouded in uncertainty.

This article first appeared on NHL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: