Oilers’ Mattias Ekholm Out for at Least First Round of Playoffs

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm will miss​ at least the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after aggravating an ‍existing injury, coach ⁤Kris ⁢Knoblauch announced Monday.The ⁢team⁣ is preparing for the possibility that the veteran defenseman may not return at ⁢all⁣ this year.

Ekholm’s Abbreviated Return

ekholm, ⁢34, briefly returned to‍ the lineup⁣ Friday after missing seven ⁤games with an undisclosed injury.‌ However, his return was short-lived, as he was forced ⁤to leave the game after only two shifts.

Season stats and Impact

During the regular​ season, Ekholm played in 64 games, averaging 22:12 minutes of‌ ice time. He ⁣contributed 33 points, ⁢including nine goals and 24‍ assists.

Othre Oilers’ ‌Injury Updates

In other injury news,Connor mcdavid⁤ and Zach Hyman sat out Monday’s game ⁢against the Los Angeles Kings. ⁤McDavid’s absence was precautionary, while Hyman is nursing an injury sustained‌ Friday. Leon Draisaitl​ and ‌Hyman are unlikely‌ to play the final two regular-season games but are expected to be ready for Game 1 ‍of the playoffs against the Kings. Evander Kane and Trent Frederic are questionable for the playoff ⁤opener. Ryan nugent-Hopkins returned to the lineup Monday after⁢ recovering from an illness.

Here are ‍two⁣ PAA​ (People also Ask) related questions, suitable for inclusion under the title “Oilers’ Injury ⁣Woes: Your Playoff Primer,” and⁣ distinct from ⁣those already present:

Oilers’ Injury Woes: Your Playoff ⁣Primer

Get the ​inside scoop on the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff health concerns with ⁤our concise‍ Q&A:

Q&A: oilers’ Playoff Outlook

Q: Who‍ is⁣ injured for the⁤ Oilers and when will they return?

A: The Oilers​ are dealing with several injuries. Mattias Ekholm is out for at least⁣ the‌ first round of the playoffs, potentially the entire postseason. Connor ‌mcdavid​ and Zach Hyman sat out a recent game, with McDavid’s absence precautionary. Hyman⁣ is also nursing an injury but is expected to be ready for⁣ Game ‍1. Leon Draisaitl is unlikely to‍ play‍ the final ‌two regular-season games but is set⁤ to return for the playoffs. evander Kane and Trent Frederic are ​questionable for the playoff ⁢opener.

Q: What happened to⁣ mattias Ekholm?

‌ ⁢A: Ekholm‍ aggravated a pre-existing, undisclosed injury during a ​brief⁢ return to the lineup.⁣ He played ⁤only two shifts before ⁣leaving the game. though the specific ⁤injury⁢ is undisclosed, it’s​ serious enough to keep him out for at least the first round.

Q: How important⁤ is Ekholm’s absence?

A: ⁤Ekholm is a⁢ key veteran defenseman. During the ⁢regular season,​ he ⁤averaged ‍over 22 minutes of ice time per game and contributed 33 points.‍ His experience and defensive presence will be⁤ missed.

Q: What about McDavid and Hyman? Are they serious wounds?

A: While concerning, ⁣both McDavid and⁣ Hyman are expected⁣ to be ready for⁣ the playoff​ opener. This is a⁤ relief for⁢ Oilers fans, as both⁢ players are vital to‌ the team’s offensive success.

Q: What’s the status of‍ the other key Oilers?

A: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has ‍returned to the lineup after recovering ⁢from an illness.⁣ Evander⁣ Kane and Trent Frederic are both questionable ​for the playoff opener.

Stay ⁤informed about the Oilers’ playoff journey! Keep an eye on the team’s official channels for the latest updates and potential lineup changes.