Oilers May Have Their Future Mattias Ekholm Replacement

His professional production has been encouraging. Mukhamadullin recorded 10 points in 12 American Hockey League (AHL) games during the 2022-23 season, followed by 34 points in 55 games with the San Jose Barracuda in 2023-24. That works out to 0.62 points per game, demonstrating that he possesses more offensive ability than his NHL totals might initially suggest.

Mukhamadullin recorded nine points in 30 games with the Sharks in 2024-25, then produced three goals and nine assists in 50 games last season. His scoring rate declined slightly from 0.30 points per game to 0.24, but the more important development was his ability to remain in the NHL for most of the season. Through 83 career NHL appearances, he has seven goals and 22 points. Those are respectable numbers for a young defenceman playing on a rebuilding San Jose team.

His minus-3 rating in 2025-26 should also be considered within the context of the team around him. Plus/minus is heavily influenced by goaltending, teammates and deployment. It should not be used as a standalone measurement of defensive performance, especially for a developing player on a non-contending roster.

Ekholm Offers an Encouraging Developmental Comparison

Expecting Mukhamadullin to become the next Ekholm would be placing an enormous burden on him. However, Ekholm’s career illustrates why Edmonton should remain patient. Ekholm did not become a full-time NHL player immediately. He was drafted 102nd-overall by the Nashville Predators in 2009 and spent several years developing in Sweden and the AHL. During his first full NHL season in 2013-14, he recorded one goal and nine points in 62 games.

Mukhamadullin has already produced 22 points through his first 83 NHL appearances. That does not mean he will follow the same trajectory, but it shows that his current production compares favourably to Ekholm’s at a similar stage. Ekholm gradually developed into a dependable top-four defender. His offence increased as his role expanded, eventually reaching a career-high 45 points with Edmonton in 2023-24. He followed that with 33 points in 65 games in 2024-25 and six goals and 41 points last season.

More importantly, Ekholm became valuable because of his ability to influence every area of the ice. He can defend against elite competition, break up entries, move the puck efficiently and support offence without taking unnecessary risks. Mukhamadullin does not need to match Ekholm’s exact playing style, but those are the responsibilities he must eventually learn to handle.

Edmonton Can Create a Developmental Bridge

The structure of their contracts gives the Oilers an opportunity to manage the transition carefully. Mukhamadullin signed a two-year contract worth $1.75 million annually and will remain under team control as a restricted free agent when it expires in 2028. Ekholm, meanwhile, is signed for three more seasons at $4 million annually.

That creates a two-year evaluation window. Mukhamadullin can begin on Edmonton’s third pairing, potentially alongside an experienced right-shot defender such as Ty Emberson. If he performs well, the Oilers can gradually increase his minutes and expose him to more difficult matchups.

The organization should avoid rushing the process. Giving Mukhamadullin top-pairing responsibilities immediately would place him in a role he has not yet earned. He has played only 83 NHL games, while Ekholm has appeared in 966.

A more reasonable objective would be for Mukhamadullin to establish himself as a reliable second-pairing option by the end of his current contract. Edmonton could then decide whether he is capable of assuming a larger role during Ekholm’s final contracted season.

Mukhamadullin Provides Something Edmonton Needs

Edmonton’s defence is expensive and increasingly dependent on veterans. Evan Bouchard and Jake Walman occupy significant portions of the salary cap, while Ekholm and Murphy are both in their mid-30s.

Mukhamadullin’s $1.75 million contract is therefore extremely important. If he can provide dependable third-pairing minutes—or eventually outperform that role—the Oilers will receive surplus value at a position where they desperately need it.

His physical tools also fit Edmonton’s needs. His 6-foot-4 frame and reach can help him disrupt plays, but he is not simply a stationary defensive defenceman. His AHL production indicates that he can move the puck and contribute offensively when given opportunities.

The key will be decision-making. Bigger defenders sometimes rely too heavily on their reach when their positioning breaks down. Against faster NHL forechecks, Mukhamadullin will need to retrieve pucks efficiently, make accurate first passes and avoid extended time defending in his own zone. Playing behind Ekholm could benefit that development. Few NHL defenders would be better examples for learning how to manage gaps, control positioning and choose the correct moment to join the offence.

Mukhamadullin Does Not Need to Become Ekholm Immediately

Mukhamadullin should not be judged based on whether he immediately replaces everything Ekholm provides. At this stage, Edmonton simply needs him to become a consistent NHL defender. If he can secure a regular position, handle 16 to 18 minutes per game and contribute secondary offence, his first season with the Oilers should be considered successful. Increased penalty-killing responsibilities and occasional second-pairing minutes could follow.

Ekholm’s eventual decline or departure will leave a substantial hole, and it is unlikely that one player will replace every element of his game. However, Edmonton needs at least one younger defender capable of absorbing a meaningful portion of those minutes. Mukhamadullin has the strongest combination of pedigree, physical ability, production, and contractual control among the Oilers’ internal options. His development will require patience, but the timeline is in Edmonton’s favour.

Ekholm remains the standard on the left side of the Oilers’ defence. Mukhamadullin now has two seasons to learn from him and prove he can eventually become part of Edmonton’s next defensive core.