While the Edmonton Oilers face an injury setback with one key player, they are set to welcome back another important member of the team.
Defenceman Mattias Ekholm is anticipated to rejoin the lineup for Game 5 of the Western Conference Final series against the Dallas Stars, the team officially confirmed on Thursday.
Ekholm took part in Thursday`s morning skate session, practicing on a defensive pairing with Evan Bouchard. Meanwhile, forward Corey Perry skated in place of Zach Hyman, following reports that Hyman is likely to miss the remainder of the current season due to injury.
Having been sidelined since mid-April, Thursday night`s contest marks Ekholm`s first game action of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Prior to his injury layoff, he recorded nine goals and 33 points during the regular season. The veteran defenceman has accumulated 12 goals and 52 points over his extensive career spanning 112 playoff games.
Neville Woodall