Livescore
Edmonton needed to add a defenseman at the deadline, and the team has found its answer.
The Oilers traded for Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm on Tuesday in a big move for both sides.
Nashville received a package that included defenseman Tyson Barrie, a prospect and two picks, including a first-round selection in this year’s draft.
Ekholm, 32, has played in 57 games this year for the Predators, his 12th with the organization. He has collected 13 assists and 18 points while averaging 21:44 time on ice. He also has contributed 76 blocked shots and 62 hits.
MORE: Tracking the latest NHL 2023 trade deadline rumors
The Sporting News has the details covered on the Ekholm trade.
Mattias Ekholm trade details
- Oilers receive: D Mattias Ekholm, 2024 6th-round pick
- Predators receive: D Tyson Barrie, F Reid Schafer, 2023 1st-round pick, 2024 4th-round pick
The Oilers needed to address their blue line issues. While the team is one of the most dynamic offensively, the defense has consistently been Edmonton’s Achilles heel.
Ekholm is an excellent two-way blue liner who handles the puck really well. He’ll be a great option on the back end to drive the transition game, which Edmonton thrives on. In addition, he’s very reliable in his own zone and can clear out bodies in front of the net.
With Ekholm, the Oilers aren’t just getting help for this season. Ekholm is under contract for an additional three years after this year. It’s a move that gives Edmonton a reliable, top-four defensemen locked in at a reasonable price for the next few years.
At 32 years old, there is some concern about the longevity of Ekholm’s contract. However, the Swedish defenseman was having a terrific year with Nashville, and can be moved again down the line if he isn’t living up to the contract.
Edmonton gave up defenseman Tyson Barrie, who as an all-offense kind of player, became replaceable with the emergence of 23-year-old Evan Bouchard. Barrie had 43 points in 61 games with the Oilers this season.
Schaefer is the Oilers’ 2022 first-round pick. A big-bodied forward, the 19-year-old is in his third season with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, where he has 47 points in 44 games. Schafer also was on Canada’s 2023 World Juniors team, playing a fourth-line role.
Mattias Ekholm contract details
Ekholm is in the first year of a four-year, $25 million deal he signed with the Predators in 2021. The contract carries a cap hit of $6.25 million for another three years.
The Predators are retaining 4% of Ekholm’s remaining cap hit on his contract.
The defenseman won’t be a free agent until 2026.
Read the full article here
