4 NATIONS: Ekholm excited for challenge of defending McDavid on international stage

As the 2025 Four Nations hockey tournament looms closer, one of the most anticipated matchups on the international stage involves Swedish defenseman Mattias Ekholm facing off against none other than Edmonton Oilers captain and superstar Connor McDavid. McDavid, widely regarded as the best player in the world, has dazzled fans and players alike with his unparalleled speed, skill, and playmaking ability. For Ekholm, a steady presence on Sweden’s blue line, the challenge of defending McDavid presents a unique test — one that he is relishing as an opportunity to push himself to new heights on the international stage.

Ekholm, who has long been recognized for his shutdown ability and defensive intelligence, is no stranger to the pressure of facing off against elite talent in the NHL. But the Four Nations tournament brings a new dimension to the task — national pride, high stakes, and the challenge of performing under the scrutiny of the world’s hockey fans. As Sweden prepares to face Canada, Russia, and the United States in a round-robin format before the knockout rounds, all eyes will be on Ekholm as he attempts to keep McDavid in check.

In this article, we take a closer look at Mattias Ekholm’s mindset as he gets ready for the daunting task of defending against McDavid, the strategies that might be employed, and the significance of this matchup for both players and their respective teams.

The Challenge of Defending McDavid

Connor McDavid’s game is built on an incredible combination of speed, vision, and playmaking ability. His quickness on the ice allows him to evade defenders, accelerate through neutral zones, and create scoring opportunities with minimal space. His vision and creativity make him a dangerous threat every time he has the puck, and his ability to distribute and score from almost any area on the ice is legendary. For Ekholm, defending McDavid requires a unique blend of discipline, awareness, and the ability to limit McDavid’s chances while also providing support to his fellow defenders.

“It’s a daunting task for any defenseman,” Ekholm admits. “McDavid is on another level. He can move the puck at such a fast pace, and his ability to change gears and shift direction quickly makes him unpredictable. He doesn’t need much space to make something happen. It’s up to us to stay tight on him, read his movements, and try to limit his time with the puck. But at the end of the day, it’s about working as a unit — it’s not just about me against McDavid. It’s about the team defending together.”

As Ekholm mentions, containing McDavid isn’t a job that any defenseman can handle alone. Ekholm’s leadership on Sweden’s blue line will be tested, as his defensive partners and the forwards must all commit to playing responsible hockey. In international tournaments like the Four Nations, where teams often have fewer chances to gel and develop long-term chemistry, the challenge is even greater.

Ekholm’s Defensive Approach: A Master of Positioning

Mattias Ekholm is known for his calm, steady presence on the ice. As a left-shot defenseman for the Nashville Predators, Ekholm has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable shutdown defenders. His ability to read plays, anticipate the opposing team’s offensive strategies, and maintain positioning is one of his greatest assets. While he doesn’t possess the flashy offensive skills of some of the league’s top defensemen, his focus on limiting scoring chances and being in the right spot at the right time has made him a key contributor to his team’s success.

Against a player like McDavid, Ekholm’s natural defensive instincts are crucial. One key element of Ekholm’s strategy will be to cut off McDavid’s space by getting in passing lanes, forcing him to make plays under pressure. Ekholm has always been great at closing gaps, and against McDavid, this skill will be more important than ever. He also excels at using his body to shield the puck and battle for possession, something that will be vital when McDavid enters the zone at full speed.

“The thing with McDavid is that if you give him any room at all, he’s gone,” Ekholm explains. “You have to be really disciplined in your positioning. You have to take away the middle of the ice, make sure you’re not chasing him around. If you start reacting to him too much, he’ll use that against you. It’s about keeping a good gap and not getting too far out of position.”

Ekholm’s ability to block shots and break up plays with his stick is another tool that will come in handy against McDavid. The Oilers captain is always a threat to shoot, especially when he finds himself in dangerous positions near the net. However, Ekholm’s awareness in preventing passing lanes and his ability to keep his stick active will be key in denying McDavid the clean looks he so often thrives on.

Team Strategies: Sweden’s Defensive Approach

Ekholm’s individual approach is important, but Sweden’s collective team defense will play a significant role in how successful they are at containing McDavid and the potent Canadian offense. While Ekholm is undoubtedly the anchor of Sweden’s blue line, head coach Johan Garpenlöv will rely on the entire roster to shut down McDavid’s influence on the game.

The Swedish defensive corps, including players like Ekholm, Erik Gustafsson, and Rasmus Dahlin, will need to collaborate to ensure McDavid doesn’t get the chance to enter the offensive zone with too much speed or room to work. Sweden will likely use a more conservative defensive system against Canada, placing extra emphasis on ensuring that McDavid doesn’t have open lanes to fly through the neutral zone.

“We’ll need to have strong forechecking and a commitment to backchecking,” says Ekholm. “McDavid loves to gain speed through the neutral zone, so it’s critical that we get on him early, disrupt his flow, and don’t allow him to get a head start.”

Another key aspect of Sweden’s defensive game plan will be their ability to pressure McDavid when he’s in the offensive zone. Ekholm and his fellow defensemen will need to collapse around the net when McDavid tries to set up plays, limiting the space around the crease and making it difficult for him to execute his trademark quick passes. Sweden will also have to account for McDavid’s dangerous line mates, including Leon Draisaitl, who provide added scoring depth and make it harder for Ekholm to focus solely on the Oilers’ captain.

The Rivalry: A Battle for Hockey Supremacy

While the individual matchup between Ekholm and McDavid is intriguing, it also adds fuel to the already intense rivalry between Sweden and Canada. Historically, the two countries have faced off in some of the most memorable games in international hockey, and the Four Nations tournament will be no different. With the stakes high and the talent on both sides undeniable, the showdown between Ekholm and McDavid will have major implications for both the individual players and their teams.

For Ekholm, the challenge of defending McDavid on the international stage is a rare opportunity. While they are familiar with one another as NHL opponents, international hockey brings a new level of intensity. The passion for national pride adds a layer of pressure and excitement that is unique to tournaments like the Four Nations. Ekholm knows this could be his moment to show that he can hold his own against one of the greatest players in the world.

“I’m excited about it,” Ekholm says, with a gleam in his eye. “When you get to play against the best in the world, that’s what you want as a competitor. McDavid is as close to perfection as we’ve seen in this game, and it’ll be a great challenge for me and for our team. We want to show that we can compete at the highest level and that we can contain a player like him.”

What’s at Stake for Both Players

For McDavid, the Four Nations tournament offers a chance to showcase his incredible talents on an international platform. He’s already established himself as a dominant force in the NHL, but the chance to prove himself in a tournament like this would further cement his legacy as one of the best to ever play the game.

For Ekholm, this tournament represents the ultimate test — not just for his individual skills, but for his ability to rise to the occasion in a critical team setting. A successful defense of McDavid could solidify Ekholm’s reputation as one of the most reliable and effective shutdown defensemen in the world.