In what way should the Oilers set up their defense once Mattias Ekholm is back?

The Edmonton Oilers have been a team that has long been associated with offensive firepower, with some of the best talents in the league in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, their defensive play has often been a point of concern. Their championship aspirations have been impeded by inconsistent defense, and while the offense remains a force to be reckoned with, solidifying their blue line is a critical aspect of their overall success.

One of the most significant moves to improve the Oilers’ defensive depth came in the form of Mattias Ekholm’s acquisition from the Nashville Predators. Ekholm, a seasoned veteran with a reputation as a reliable two-way defenseman, was brought in to provide stability and strength to a defensive corps that was in need of improvement. With Ekholm now recovering from an injury and preparing for his return to the lineup, the question remains: How should the Oilers structure their defense once he is back on the ice? This decision will play a key role in their quest for success, not only in securing a playoff spot but potentially making a deep run in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Importance of Mattias Ekholm’s Return

Before diving into the specifics of how the Oilers should set up their defense once Ekholm is back, it’s important to understand why his return is so critical. Ekholm is a player who brings a blend of skill, experience, and physicality that the Oilers have lacked on the blue line. His ability to play in all situations, including against the opposition’s top lines, gives Edmonton a much-needed defensive anchor.

A key attribute of Ekholm’s game is his excellent positional awareness. He rarely finds himself out of position, and his ability to read the game allows him to make smart decisions with the puck. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady and reliable. His leadership on the ice is invaluable, as he helps guide the younger players around him and keeps the defensive zone organized.

In addition to his sound defensive play, Ekholm can also contribute offensively. He has a solid shot from the point and is capable of generating offense during power plays or by transitioning the puck up the ice. His two-way game allows the Oilers to balance their defensive and offensive schemes more effectively, which will be crucial if the team hopes to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Evaluating the Current Oilers Defensive Corps

Before examining how to integrate Ekholm into the defensive lineup, it’s important to assess the current state of the Oilers’ defense. The defense has historically been an area of weakness for the Oilers, but the addition of Ekholm in 2023 gave the team a significant upgrade.

As of now, the Oilers’ defensive corps consists of a mix of established players and younger talents, such as Darnell Nurse, Tyson Barrie, Evan Bouchard, and others. Nurse, as the team’s top defenseman, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent in his defensive play. Barrie, while offensively gifted, is known for his defensive struggles, particularly when it comes to his gap control and ability to make smart decisions in his own end. Bouchard, one of the promising young players, has the potential to be a key contributor on the back end but still has a lot to prove at the NHL level.

When Ekholm was acquired, he immediately became a stabilizing presence on the blue line, often paired with Nurse to provide a reliable top pair. This pairing allowed Nurse to play with more freedom offensively, knowing that Ekholm was capable of covering for him in defensive situations. Bouchard, with his smooth skating and offensive prowess, was placed in a secondary role, and Barrie’s role on the power play remained unchanged.

Now, with Ekholm preparing to return from injury, the Oilers will need to make some important decisions about how to slot him back into the lineup to maximize the effectiveness of their defense.

How the Oilers Should Set Up Their Defense Upon Ekholm’s Return

With Ekholm’s return, the Oilers have an opportunity to solidify their defensive structure and set themselves up for a successful playoff run. The key to integrating Ekholm back into the lineup will be balancing his presence with the skill sets of the other defensemen. Below are some potential pairings and strategies the Oilers should consider:

1. Pairing Ekholm with Darnell Nurse as the Top Defense Pair

One of the most effective defensive pairings the Oilers have had this season has been Ekholm paired with Darnell Nurse. Nurse, who is physically gifted and a great skater, benefits from having Ekholm as a steadying presence. Ekholm’s positional play and smart decision-making allow Nurse to play more aggressively, knowing that Ekholm will be there to clean up any mistakes.

This pairing has the potential to be a shutdown duo for the Oilers, capable of handling opposing teams’ top lines. Nurse can focus on using his speed and physicality to engage offensively, while Ekholm can handle the defensive assignments and play a strong, reliable game in the defensive zone. In addition, Nurse’s ability to move the puck out of the zone and join the rush adds an extra dimension to the Oilers’ transition game. Together, they create a solid top defensive pair that can be used against the opposition’s best players, allowing the Oilers to match up effectively against teams in the playoffs.

2. Supporting Evan Bouchard and Tyson Barrie as a Secondary Pair

While Ekholm’s return will give the Oilers a reliable top pair, it’s essential to have depth in their defensive corps. Evan Bouchard and Tyson Barrie, who have shown offensive upside in recent seasons, can be deployed as a secondary pair to balance the offense and defense across the team’s defensive group.

Bouchard, with his vision and playmaking ability, is a talented puck mover who can help facilitate the transition game. His strong skating and smart decision-making make him an ideal partner for Barrie, who excels in an offensive role. Barrie, despite his defensive shortcomings, provides a dangerous offensive threat, especially on the power play. If the Oilers pair Barrie with Bouchard, they can utilize both players’ strengths while mitigating Barrie’s weaknesses. Bouchard’s defensive game is still developing, but his ability to skate the puck out of trouble and make quick decisions should provide a reliable foundation for the duo.

3. The Third Pair: Complementing Ekholm’s Leadership

In the bottom pairing, the Oilers will need to fill the spot with a defenseman who complements the skill set of Ekholm’s leadership. While Ekholm’s presence in the top pairing will allow Nurse to be more aggressive, the bottom pair can serve as a reliable shutdown unit. This third pair could consist of players like Philip Broberg or Vincent Desharnais.

Philip Broberg, who has shown flashes of his potential, could benefit from learning alongside Ekholm and becoming more confident in his defensive play. Broberg’s skating ability and size could allow him to complement Ekholm’s experience and steady play. Desharnais, on the other hand, could provide physicality and grit, which would add a different dynamic to the blue line. A third pair like this would give the Oilers a mix of size, mobility, and physicality in their bottom pair while maintaining defensive stability.

Utilizing Ekholm on Special Teams

While Ekholm’s primary role is to provide defensive stability, he can also contribute to the Oilers on special teams. The Oilers have one of the league’s most potent power plays, and Ekholm’s ability to shoot the puck and make smart decisions on the man advantage makes him a valuable asset on the power play.

Ekholm is not the most flashy offensive defenseman, but his shot and his ability to move the puck will help create space for the likes of McDavid, Draisaitl, and others on the power play. He should be utilized on the second power-play unit, where he can contribute without taking away from the top unit’s chemistry.

On the penalty kill, Ekholm is an excellent addition as a steady presence who can break up plays and block shots. He has the ability to eat minutes on the penalty kill and provide the Oilers with a shutdown presence. If the Oilers continue to improve on special teams, Ekholm’s presence will be a significant factor in boosting their overall defensive efficiency.