What should the Edmonton Oilers do with Mattias Ekholm?

What should the Edmonton Oilers do with Mattias Ekholm?

I wrote about this on Sunday at osnation.com and TS Echome vocal wants an extension and I quote, “It’s a contract year, but I’m also getting up there in age. I know what I bring on the ice, but I also have a family and I want to make sure that we have security. Do I want to stay in Edmonton?” Absolutely. I guess there will be discussions, but you’re going to be talking to a guy in a few minutes who’s the big focus. I’ve been around long enough to know that in this league you take care of the big boys first. So, for me, the question is, I think we would all agree you want Matias back. That is a guy who just said I’m taking a little like I I understand I’m getting older therefore I’m not expecting to have the same amount. To me it’s not the question is not money with him. It’s term. I don’t think you can go more in two years with Matias. I’ll give him three cuz right now he’s 35. He’ll be 36 by the time this current season is done. Two years brings him to 38. Yeah, I’ll give him three. If he wants a third one and that’s the dealmaker, I’ll give him three. Liam’s got eyes wide open right now. So, you’re telling me you can’t play a rookie in his hometown, but you’ll sign Matias Akum to a third year after he could barely turn in the playoffs. His body was not attached properly in the playoffs. What if that happens again? He’s going to be 38 by the end of your hypothetical deal. Yeah, but I mean, at that point, at that point, now you’re now you’re playing as the third lefty. Your number’s not crazy because it’s probably going to be less than what what Walman’s going to be making, which when the cap keeps going up is going to be very low. He’s going to be the type of player you try and go look at for a cup run. You’re sure, but just pay him two years and then see what happens in the third. Like Yeah, but if he’s if it’s like if it’s the make or break, I’ll give him that third. I’d break. I think if we have the same season we had from Matias at home last year, I’m good with like one year or less. I agree. I don’t think he was Wow, we’re getting rid of a half year because getting rid of him because he because like to me left defenseman is a common commodity in this league. Yeah, but he’s a really good left defenseman. Sure, but that means a lot more than going to invest any more into a guy that unfortunately he let us down last year. His body let us down last year. It’s not his fault, but his body let us down last year. And this group like we’re talk we just spent we’ve spent like what seven eight episodes now talking about Conor McDavid’s extension. This group needs to start like focusing on winning tomorrow and winning now. But you win with a player like him instead of like a 22-y old. No, you don’t. Not with you. Just go get a 28-y old instead of a 38-y old. Okay. But like 28-y olds are really hard to get a hold of, especially the good ones. or 30 like but they become available in free agency. That’s what I would do. I don’t think I think two years is the max I would go. I see what you’re saying but I just think like you got to get to a point where it’s like what if that what if that third gets him down to four and a half? I think that’s even too high. I think you can’t pay him like warm I think you pay him Walmart money. What was he 3.4 something like that. Like I would not pay him a lot of money. Your cap’s about to be $113 million. Oh, I understand. And we’re worried about $2 million for a guy who was in your top six. A guy who’s your top one of your top two two years ago. I just think that you can look at it like that and you’re right, but you first of all, you got to let him play and see what he looks like% cuz if that that’ll dictate. Yeah. No, we got to get through this season first. But let’s say you get through the season and he’s healthy and he’s back to what he was a year ago, two years ago. I mean one way you could look at it I suppose and the other part of it too is like no one’s coming off to be like well it’s clear we definitely have nobody in the system on the left on any side um so like Brett Koulak’s a free agent too and he’s only 31 like I don’t think Bret Koulak and Echol are the same player but after this season how far apart are they you know what I mean I wonder I don’t know what I’ve been 3 if he had a great season good solid season. And like Rick said, he’s back to two years ago. Yeah. You wait? Yeah, I wait. Oh, you wait until Yeah. Yeah, I wait. And I think you have a bit of you have enough of a commitment like, “Hey, I would like to stay here.” All right, cool. We want you here as well. Let’s see how the season goes. See how your body holds up and make a decision at the end. That’s what I would do. Yeah, I think so, too. I don’t think he’s someone I You need to jump on. Woman, I wouldn’t wait. No, youth. As youth, that’s different. youthish, but also if he starts a season hot, there goes a million bucks on the couch. Yeah, easily. Yeah, easily. And the right-handedness. Uh, if you listen to this, hit us up. What would you sign Matias for? I’m 2 years.

Mattias Ekholm turns 36 next May. As we speak today, he’s entering the final year of his contract with a $6 million cap hit, and, while he still plays at a high level when he’s healthy, there’s always risk when you start talking about extending guys into their late 30s. What should the Edmonton Oilers do with this talented aging defense man?

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