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Status Updates Emerge on Mattias Ekholm and Jeff Skinner for Decisive Game 5 vs. Stars

Originally posted on Hockey Latest | By Daniel Lucente | Last updated May 28, 2025 6:25 PM ET

NHL insider Jason Gregor has revealed that Mattias Ekholm appears to be healthy enough to play in Game 5, and should he draw in, Jeff Skinner could also play.

The Edmonton Oilers may be forced to make do without Zach Hyman for the entire playoffs, but they're soon to have a game-deciding piece return in veteran blueliner Mattias Ekholm.

According to Sports 1440's Jason Gregor, Ekholm could be back for Game 5 on Thursday against the Dallas Stars. It would be his first game since April 11 against San Jose.

The 35-year-old has been on the cusp of returning for a week and is now scheduled to return to the lineup. Should he return, it appears Jeff Skinner will be slotted in as the 12th forward and play for the first time since Game 1 of Round 1.

'Ekholm is an option tomorrow,' Gregor reported on social media. 'If Ekholm plays, I think 12 [forwards] and 6[defencemen] makes more sense and Jeff Skinner draws in as the 12th forward.'

Ekholm's return would be an enormous value added to Edmonton's blue line. Having played top-pairing minutes alongside Evan Bouchard, Ekholm has been enjoying another great playoff stint since joining the team at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline.

His return could elevate Bouchard's game even more as the Oilers make a push towards a Stanley Cup Final appearance.

Troy Stecher will likely be the one who slots out of the lineup when Ekholm returns

Coming in to replace Ekholm when he was absent, Brett Kulak and Troy Stecher have covered magnificently. Stecher, though, is the one who's really getting praised, but it's likely to be him who sits to accommodate Ekholm.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch has a few tough decisions to make now. While Ekholm is a cornerstone, it might not be wise to bring him in right away for top-pair minutes after missing so much time.

Possible defensive pairings for Game 5:
Brett Kulak - Evan Bouchard
Jake Walman-John Klingberg
Mattias Ekholm-Darnell Nurse

There's also the matter of maintaining chemistry, especially on the steady Jake Walman and John Klingberg pairing.

Putting Ekholm and Darnell Nurse on the third pair would also be tricky, as both have had very little time playing on their off-side.

Regardless of how the lineup turns out, Ekholm's return will add depth and punch to an Oilers blue line that has surpassed expectations this playoffs.

This article first appeared on Hockey Latest and was syndicated with permission.

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