Oilers Eye Key Returns Ahead of Western Conference Final
Edmonton, Alberta — With the Western Conference Final on the horizon, the Edmonton Oilers are preparing for their toughest challenge yet in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As they await the outcome of the Dallas Stars–Winnipeg Jets series, optimism is growing around the potential return of two pivotal players: veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm and goaltender Calvin Pickard.
Having eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights in five games, the Oilers demonstrated impressive depth and resilience despite missing two integral pieces of their lineup. The return of Ekholm and Pickard could provide a timely boost as Edmonton gears up for the next phase of their championship pursuit.
Ekholm’s Steadying Presence on Defense
Mattias Ekholm has not featured in a full game since late March, and a brief appearance on April 11 was cut short after less than two minutes due to an undisclosed injury. The Swedish blueliner has been a crucial component of the Oilers’ back end, known for his physical play, poise under pressure, and ability to match up against top-tier forwards.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch offered an update on Ekholm’s condition, describing him as “day-to-day” and casting doubt on his availability for the start of the series.
“He’s day-to-day, and I’m not anticipating him being ready for Game 1 or 2,” Knoblauch said. “But we’re optimistic that maybe sometime in the third round he will join us.”
Ekholm’s return would alleviate the burden on younger defensemen such as Ty Emberson and Troy Stecher, who have stepped up admirably in his absence. While he may require time to regain peak playoff form, Ekholm’s experience and stability could be a difference-maker in a high-stakes series.
Goaltending Reinforcements on the Horizon
In net, Calvin Pickard’s emergence as a reliable postseason performer was interrupted by a lower-body injury sustained in Game 2 against Vegas. Prior to that, he had compiled a perfect 6-0 record, showcasing composure and consistency as a backup to starter Stuart Skinner.
Knoblauch noted that Pickard is also considered day-to-day and unlikely to be ready for the series opener.
“I would think probably sometime in the same timeline as Ekholm, sometime during the series,” Knoblauch added.
Skinner, who faced early playoff struggles, has rebounded in impressive fashion, recording consecutive shutouts to close out the Golden Knights. While his resurgence is encouraging, the return of Pickard would significantly strengthen Edmonton’s goaltending depth—an essential asset during deep playoff runs.
Looking Ahead: A Test Awaits
As the Oilers rest and prepare, their focus shifts to scouting their next opponent. Dallas offers speed and balanced scoring, while Winnipeg presents a rugged, physical style backed by elite goaltending.
The pause between rounds allows Edmonton to reset mentally and physically, giving injured players additional time to recover. More importantly, it enables the coaching staff to fine-tune strategies and ensure the team is ready for the unique challenges ahead.
With superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continuing to lead the charge offensively, the potential return of Ekholm and Pickard could provide the final pieces needed to round out a formidable roster. If both can rejoin the lineup in time, the Oilers will be well-positioned to make a serious push for their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since 2006.
