The Edmonton Oilers have had a history of acquiring prominent players to bolster their roster, and some of their biggest trade acquisitions in recent years have had significant impacts on the team’s performance. One such trade that stands out in recent memory is the acquisition of defenseman Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators during the 2022-2023 season. This trade, aimed at shoring up the Oilers’ defense, comes with questions about how both Ekholm and the team’s star players, Connor McDavid in particular, would adapt to new roles and responsibilities on the ice.
The Mattias Ekholm Trade
On February 28, 2023, the Edmonton Oilers traded for Mattias Ekholm, sending a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and defenseman Tyson Barrie to the Nashville Predators. The deal was significant not just because of the assets the Oilers gave up, but because it addressed a glaring need in Edmonton’s defense corps. Ekholm, a steady and physical defenseman, brought an element of stability to a blue line that had often been criticized for its inconsistency. The Oilers were looking for a player who could contribute defensively while also being able to move the puck effectively, and Ekholm, with his experience and skill set, seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Ekholm’s arrival was seen as a move to complement the offensive brilliance of players like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. While the Oilers had long been known for their high-powered offense, they struggled defensively in key moments. Ekholm’s defensive ability and leadership on the ice were seen as assets that would help elevate the Oilers’ overall team structure, making them a more balanced and dangerous squad heading into the playoffs.
The Iffy New Roles: McDavid and Ekholm
When a player like Ekholm joins the team, it has ripple effects on the roles and responsibilities of other players, particularly the team’s superstar, Connor McDavid. McDavid, already a dominant offensive force, has always been the focal point of the Oilers’ attack. However, with the addition of Ekholm, McDavid was tasked with adapting to some new dynamics on the ice. One of the key questions that emerged after the trade was how McDavid would adjust to a more defensive-oriented system with Ekholm in the fold.
In the past, McDavid’s role was largely unrestricted; he was the engine that drove the Oilers’ offense, and his linemates primarily focused on supporting his playmaking abilities. With Ekholm’s defensive presence, however, the Oilers had a bit more freedom to play a more balanced game. McDavid’s role, particularly in the defensive zone, may have evolved, as he now had a more reliable defenseman behind him to support his efforts. While McDavid’s offensive responsibilities remained a priority, there was an increased focus on ensuring that the Oilers played a more complete game, rather than relying solely on outscoring opponents.
For Ekholm, his new role on the Oilers required him to quickly adapt to a much faster-paced and offensively driven style of play than he was used to in Nashville. While Ekholm had been a reliable defensive presence for the Predators, playing with the Oilers meant he would be thrust into a high-pressure environment where contributing offensively was just as important. In Edmonton, he was expected to integrate his defensive game with the team’s offensive philosophy, which relied heavily on quick puck movement and high-speed transitions. Ekholm’s ability to adjust to this new dynamic would be crucial, as the Oilers expected him to not only be a steady presence on the blue line but also help transition the puck to the forwards quickly and efficiently.
The roles of McDavid and Ekholm, while seemingly complementary, required adaptation. McDavid, who had long been the undisputed leader of the Oilers’ offense, needed to adjust his game to a more well-rounded approach, balancing his explosive offensive play with defensive awareness. Ekholm, on the other hand, had to adjust his playing style to fit the high-octane offensive schemes that the Oilers were known for, contributing not just defensively, but offensively as well. Both players were key to Edmonton’s success, and how they adapted to their new roles would determine the team’s performance in the crucial playoff p
ush and beyond.
