Oilers Give Injury Update After Mattias Ekholm Helped Off Ice in Loss to Hurricanes

Mattias Ekholm was helped off the ice early in the third period of Edmonton’s game against Carolina after a hit from William Carrier sent him down hard, with his head appearing to strike the ice.

The Oilers defenseman looked unsteady getting up and required assistance back to the dressing room, raising immediate concern about a possible concussion, though no official diagnosis has been disclosed.

The good news seems to be that Ekholm -- who didn't return to the game -- wasn't taken to a medical facility, nor did he need to leave the building. He was down in the locker room at ice level when the team came off the ice after a 6-5 shootout win, high-fiving his teammates.

That said, Ekholm will miss some time.

Head coach Mike Babcock confirmed afterward that Ekholm will be out for at least one week, adding simply, “Someone else will get a chance.”

With Ekholm sidelined, the Oilers will need to lean on their remaining defensive depth while awaiting further updates on his condition. Shakir Mukhamadullin will slot in on Saturday as the Oilers take on the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Now 8-1-1 on the season, Edmonton will look to keep things rolling on this homestand. 

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