"Days after signing superstar Connor McDavid to a two-year extension, the Edmonton Oilers have locked up one of the most important championship puzzle pieces around him in defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Ekholm, 35, signed a three-year, $12 million extension Wednesday that starts in the 2026-27 season. Ekholm is in the final season of the four-year contract signed with the Nashville Predators in 2021 that carries a $6 million average annual value. He would have been an unrestricted free agent next summer."
"Entering his 15th NHL season, Ekholm had 33 points (9 goals, 24 assists) in 65 games last season for the Oilers. His 22:11 in average ice time was third on the team. One of Edmonton's primary penalty killers, Ekholm also sees time on the power play. The Swedish defenseman's comportment and facial hair also inspired a group of Edmonton fans called "The Dancing Ekholms," who attend games in horned helmets, kilts and war paint to honor their "Viking Warrior.""
Mattias Ekholm, 35, agreed to a three-year, $12 million extension that begins in the 2026-27 season. Ekholm is in the final year of a four-year, $6 million AAV contract signed in 2021 and would have become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Entering his 15th NHL season, Ekholm recorded 33 points (9 goals, 24 assists) in 65 games and averaged 22:11 of ice time last season. Ekholm serves as a primary penalty killer and also plays on the power play. The signing followed Connor McDavid's two-year extension and was part of broader offseason contract moves by the Oilers.
Read at ESPN.com
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