Oilers veteran defenseman to miss start of training camp with hip flexor issue

The Oilers acquired Ekholm ahead of the 2023 NHL trade deadline as the club looked to shore up their blue line. Ekholm made an immediate impact on the scoresheet, registering four goals and 14 points in 21 regular season games and another seven points in 12 playoff games.

Drafted 102nd overall by the Nashville Predators, Ekholm spent 12 seasons with the club as he established himself as one of the team’s most vital players. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound player wasn’t afraid to join in on the rush, hitting the 30-point mark five times – including a career-best 44 points in 2018-19.

Ekholm has 66 goals and 282 points in 12 career NHL seasons, and also helped Sweden win gold at the 2018 World Championship. Prior to coming over to North America, Ekholm spent two years with Brynas in the Swedish Hockey League, highlighted by a 33-point run in 55 games in 2010-11.

With Ekholm out, there’s a chance for youngster Philip Broberg to take on more responsibility. The two-way defenseman has struggled to be an everyday player for the Oilers, but he did skate in a career-high 46 games with the Oilers last year. The 22-year-old was drafted eight overall in 2019, with many expecting him to play an important two-way role with the Oilers. Depending on the length of Ekholm’s injury, Broberg could start the season in the top four.

The Oilers are set to begin preseason play against the Winnipeg Jets at home on Sunday, Sept. 24. They’ll kick off the 2023-24 regular season with an Oct. 11 meeting with the Vancouver Canucks before hosting their home opener three nights later.