With the return of Ekholm and the signing of Walman, the Edmonton Oilers’ back end looks great.

As the NHL season progresses, it is clear that the Edmonton Oilers have shifted their focus toward becoming a more balanced and defensively responsible team. For years, the Oilers have been known for their offensive firepower led by stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, their Achilles’ heel has often been their defense. In the past, questions surrounding their blue line and goaltending have held the Oilers back from reaching their full potential as a Stanley Cup contender.

But with the return of Mattias Ekholm and the signing of Olli Määttä, Edmonton’s defense has taken a significant step forward. These additions bring stability and depth to the Oilers’ back end, and as a result, the team is poised to be much more competitive across all three zones. While the offensive juggernaut remains at the forefront of their identity, a more solid defense could make all the difference in their pursuit of a championship.

Let’s take a closer look at how the return of Ekholm and the signing of Walman have elevated Edmonton’s defensive unit and how this improvement could impact their performance in the 2025 season.

The Importance of Mattias Ekholm’s Return

One of the most significant developments in the Oilers’ defensive picture was the acquisition of Mattias Ekholm at the trade deadline in 2024. The Swedish defenseman, who arrived from the Nashville Predators, provided immediate stability to the Oilers’ blue line. With Ekholm’s return from injury this season, he is expected to play a crucial role in anchoring the defense, providing leadership, and stabilizing what has been a shaky back end for the Oilers in the past.

Ekholm is a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience in the league. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 215 pounds, Ekholm possesses the physicality, reach, and hockey IQ to match up against the best forwards in the NHL. His defensive awareness and poise in his own zone make him a reliable top-four defenseman for the Oilers.

A critical aspect of Ekholm’s game is his ability to shut down opposing forwards. Whether it’s blocking shots, making smart decisions with the puck, or using his size to win board battles, Ekholm provides a stabilizing presence on the ice. This is particularly important in situations where the Oilers’ high-powered offense is not firing on all cylinders. With Ekholm in the lineup, the Oilers no longer have to rely exclusively on their forwards to outscore opponents. Ekholm can be relied upon to defend and shut down the opposition, even in critical moments.

Moreover, Ekholm’s ability to log major minutes, play in all situations, and contribute offensively makes him an indispensable asset for Edmonton. The Oilers’ coaching staff, led by Jay Woodcroft, will count on Ekholm to help reduce the number of goals allowed, especially during key moments in tight games.

Ekholm’s presence brings more than just defensive stability. He’s also shown a remarkable ability to make outlet passes that transition the Oilers’ offense. By jumping into the rush when necessary and leading breakouts with precision passes, Ekholm helps jumpstart Edmonton’s transition game. With a mobile defenseman like Ekholm on the ice, the Oilers can capitalize on turnovers and quick transitions, allowing their fast-paced style of play to remain intact.

The Signing of Olli Määttä: A Key Addition to the Blue Line

While Ekholm’s return gives the Oilers a strong presence on the left side of the defense, the signing of Olli Määttä from the Detroit Red Wings adds another layer of stability to the team’s defensive group. Määttä, who spent several seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins before joining Detroit, has proven to be a reliable, shutdown defenseman capable of playing in all situations.

Määttä brings an important skill set to the table: he is a two-way defender who plays a smart, physical game while providing defensive coverage for his teammates. The 28-year-old Finnish defenseman is known for his ability to read the game, make quick decisions under pressure, and keep plays in front of him. His maturity and experience at both ends of the rink make him an ideal complement to Ekholm on the blue line.

A major reason for the Oilers’ interest in Määttä was his consistency in the defensive zone. Määttä excels at defending against opposing forwards and preventing scoring opportunities from developing in high-danger areas. His strong positioning, quick stick, and ability to close off lanes make him an excellent defender when the game slows down in tight-checking situations.

Määttä’s versatility is also an asset for the Oilers, as he can play on both the left and right side of the defense. This ability to be flexible with his positioning allows the Oilers to experiment with different pairings and defensive pair rotations, providing much-needed depth. Whether he is partnered with Ekholm or another defenseman, Määttä can bring a steady, defensive presence that helps Edmonton limit its opponents’ scoring chances.

Furthermore, Määttä is also capable of contributing offensively, though his role will primarily be focused on defensive responsibilities. He can effectively move the puck out of the defensive zone and make simple plays to get the puck up to the forwards. While Määttä’s offensive game isn’t as dynamic as some other defensemen, his ability to contribute in transition and on the penalty kill gives the Oilers another reliable option on the back end.

The Oilers’ New Defensive Pairings

With Ekholm’s return and the signing of Määttä, the Oilers’ defense corps has a much deeper, more balanced feel. The team can now deploy two solid defensive pairings with Ekholm and Määttä anchoring the second and third pairings, respectively. These additions also allow Edmonton to move their more offensive-minded players, such as Tyson Barrie and Evan Bouchard, into more favorable situations where they can focus on pushing the play forward while still benefiting from improved defensive coverage.

An ideal defensive pairing for the Oilers could see Ekholm playing with Cody Ceci, forming a balanced and tough pairing that can be relied upon in shutdown situations. Both players bring size, strength, and physicality to the table, and their ability to play a strong defensive game will be crucial in slowing down the opposition’s top lines.

Meanwhile, Määttä could complement Evan Bouchard, who is more offensively inclined but continues to improve his defensive game. Bouchard is an emerging star who has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman in the NHL, and pairing him with a steady presence like Määttä allows him to play to his strengths, knowing that he has a reliable partner to help him defend.

The Impact on the Oilers’ Playoff Push

The Oilers’ addition of Ekholm and Määttä could be a game-changer for the team as they head into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With a potent offense that includes McDavid, Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and others, the Oilers have the firepower to compete with any team in the league. However, their playoff success has been hindered in the past by defensive lapses and inconsistent goaltending.

Now, with a solid top four that includes Ekholm, Määttä, Barrie, and Bouchard, the Oilers have the potential to be much more defensively sound. The team will be able to better match up against high-powered offensive teams in the postseason, relying on Ekholm and Määttä to handle some of the toughest assignments. In addition, the Oilers now have the depth to roll out a balanced defense that can prevent opponents from exploiting weaknesses.

Goaltending, which has often been a point of concern for Edmonton, will also benefit from these improvements on defense. With a more stable blue line in front of them, both Stuart Skinner and Jack Campbell should have more opportunities to make stops, knowing that their defensemen are capable of clearing the front of the net and limiting high-danger chances.

In terms of team chemistry, Ekholm’s leadership will be invaluable. As a veteran of over 700 NHL games, Ekholm can help mentor younger players like Bouchard and develop an even stronger sense of defensive cohesion among the group. His calm demeanor and experience in critical moments will be vital in high-pressure situations, especially during the postseason.