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Oilers' Mattias Ekholm in Disbelief Over Injury Update Before Stars Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 20, 2025 7:35 AM ET

Veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm had been absent from the Edmonton Oilers lineup since April 11 and was initially expected to miss the entire postseason with an undisclosed injury.

Ekholm's injury was seen as a major setback for an Oilers team right in the middle of their window of contention, even more so coming off a Stanley Cup Final appearance last season, ending in defeat.

The blueliner, however, skated in a full practice on Monday—his first one during the postseason—as his recovery timeline has taken a dramatic turn for the good.

The veteran has already been ruled out of Games 1 and 2 against the Dallas Stars, but Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said the team is optimistic Ekholm could return later in the series.

"I didn't think I would be in this position this quick... Today was the first time with the team on the ice in a full practice. Now it's a matter of how do I feel tomorrow? I'm trying to be on a day-to-day basis."

Mattias Ekholm on his progress.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/5Z1VIu4dKy
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 19, 2025

Speaking to reporters after Monday's practice, Ekholm was in disbelief at how quickly he's been able to recover, let alone facing the possibility of joining his teammates for a late postseason run.

"I feel good," Ekholm said. "I didn’t think I was going to be in this position this quick, so I’m really happy about that."

Ekholm, 34, played just one game in April after missing the remainder of the season with his injury. Since then, Edmonton’s blue line has leaned on Darnell Nurse, Evan Bouchard, Brett Kulak, Jake Walman, Troy Stecher, and John Klingberg, with Ty Emberson in a supporting role.

Ekholm scored nine goals and 33 points in 65 regular-season games before suffering his injury. He completed the campaign logging an average of 22:12 of ice time.

The Oilers begin their Western Conference Final rematch against the Stars on Wednesday at American Airlines Center. Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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