Mattias Ekholm: The trade masterstroke boosting Oilers' success
In a bold move that has arguably reshaped the Edmonton Oilers' fortunes, General Manager Ken Holland's acquisition of Mattias Ekholm stands out as a pivotal moment.
Labelled as the most significant trade in the last three years, Ekholm's performance has not only justified this claim but also highlighted his critical role in the team's recent successes, both in the regular season and the playoffs.
Two years ago, at the trade deadline, Holland orchestrated a trade sending Tyson Barrie, Reid Schaefer, a first-round pick, and a fourth-round pick to acquire Ekholm. The first-round pick later became Predators defense prospect Tanner Molendyk. As time has passed, it appears none of the assets given up by the Oilers have turned into significant losses for the team, underscoring the lopsided nature of the trade.
Ekholm's impact on the Oilers has been profound and multifaceted. In his first full season with the team, he not only set personal bests with 11 goals and 45 points over 79 games but also solidified his reputation as a robust two-way player. His pairing with Evan Bouchard has been particularly effective, enhancing the Oilers' defensive and offensive capabilities, making them a formidable unit especially when the top line joins the top defense pairing. His outstanding +44 rating this season speaks volumes about his influence on the ice.
The trade for Ekholm could very well be considered one of the most disproportionately beneficial in recent NHL history, standing out even among other notable trades such as Erik Karlsson to the Penguins, Filip Hronek to the Vancouver Canucks, and Jakob Chychrun to the Washington Capitals. However, Ekholm's acquisition shines brightest due to its profound and enduring impact on the Oilers for a relatively modest cost.
While Ken Holland's tenure as GM had its ups and downs, the Ekholm trade, alongside the signing of Zach Hyman, remains a testament to his ability to secure key pieces that have significantly bolstered the Oilers' lineup. These moves have not only contributed to the team's immediate success but also promise to influence its trajectory for years to come.
Source: OilersNation
Oilers Ekholm trade arguably best in NHL last three years
| POLL | ||
Is the Ekholm trade, in your opinion, the best of the past three years? | ||
| Yes | 34 | 72.3 % |
| No | 10 | 21.3 % |
| See Results | 3 | 6.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
