Mattias Ekholm (Image Via Twitter) The Edmonton Oilers are focusing on strengthening their base to the max for the forthcoming 2025–26 NHL season. The defenseman, Mattias Ekholm, has accepted the three-year, $12 million contract extension, and this ensures the consistent presence of the elderly defenseman in the Oilers’ blue line till 2028. Apart from this, the Edmonton organization has been very busy these days and has signed up other high-profile players like Connor McDavid and Jake Walman, thus declaring its main goal of sustaining the participation of the team in the championship tournaments.
NHL insider Chris Johnston confirms Mattias Ekholm’s $4M average annual value deal
NHL insider Chris Johnston provided information that the new contract for Ekholm has a $4 million average annual value and a full no-movement clause. The first year consists of $2 million plus a $2 million signing bonus. At the age of 35, Ekholm will be in his 15th NHL season and fourth with the Oilers, and will bring to the team the leadership and stability that are very much needed in the defense core of Edmonton. Last season, he registered nine goals and 24 assists over 65 regular-season games while also bagging six points (one goal and five assists) in seven Stanley Cup Playoff games.Originally the 102nd overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators, Ekholm had been with the Predators for over a decade and had amassed 360 points (86 goals, 274 assists) in 884 regular-season games. The trade to Edmonton in February 2023 was the largest change in his career path until then.
Mattias Ekholm strengthens Edmonton’s long-term core
Ekholm becomes the most recent player to agree to a contract until the 2027-28 league year and also the tenth Oilers player that has already done so. The players who are already part of the group signed until the summer of 2028 are McDavid, Walman, Leon Draisaitl, and Darnell Nurse. It can be seen that Edmonton is choosing experienced players around whom they will be doing the hard work needed in order to win the Stanley Cup, and through Ekholm’s contribution, as well as being highly trustworthy and his experience in the playoffs, the Oilers will be considered an even bigger threat. The Oilers will start their 2025-26 season by playing against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday, banking on the fact that their roster has been improved using strong talents.By giving Mattias Ekholm a 3-year extension, it is very clear that Edmonton is very much committed to the idea of stability as well as the fight for the cup. The absence of a steady defense no longer remains a problem because the Oilers already have stars like McDavid who do more than just their role, and even more so.Also Read: Alex Pietrangelo injury: Vegas Golden Knights star ruled out for 2025–26 NHL season amid retirement speculation