Ekholm Back, But Oilers Look to Be Scratching Struggling Defenseman

It appears as though Mattias Ekholm will be back in the lineup for the Edmonton Oilers as they take on the Calgary Flames Wednesday night. At practice on Tuesday, Ekholm was on the ice, back in the first pairing alongside Evan Bouchard. 

Ekholm had missed a couple of games after taking a hit and landing awkwardly on the side of his head. Believed to be a concussion concern, the Oilers were being cautious with his return, even though he seemed to be in good spirits immediately following that game. 

The Oilers have tried a couple of fill-ins with Ekholm out, including Shakir Mukhamadullin on Monday night and Jake Walman on Saturday. Tuesday practice lines suggested Walman has worked his way out of the third pairing and will be an extra. Mukhamadullin and Ty Emberson will make up the third pairing. 

Back in September, Walman was asked what kind of role he sees himself fitting into with the team in 2026-27. "I can handle as much as they're going to give me, I'm excited for the opportunity. There's going to be guys that need to step up and I believe I am one of them," he responded. Unfortunately, he's trended in the wrong direction. 

Walman has struggled, while Mukhamamdullin did a serviceable job. Still, he wasn't the replacement the Oilers needed, so having Ekholm back Wednesday will be a huge addition. 

It also appears that Jason Dickinson will return, but the Oilers have lost Zach Hyman to a concussion-related injury as well. 

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