Oilers continue rash of signings, extend D Mattias Ekholm

The Edmonton Oilers executed their third key contract extension in as many days, signing veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm to a three-year, $12 million pact on Wednesday.

The extension will take effect with the 2026-27 season. He is entering the final season of a four-year, $25 million contract and could have become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

His signing follows those of captain Connor McDavid (two years, $25 million) and defenseman Jake Walman (seven years, $49 million) as the Oilers remain dedicated to keeping their postseason core together.

The Oilers have appeared in the past two Stanley Cup Finals, losing both times to the Florida Panthers.

Ekholm, 35, tallied 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) in 65 regular-season games with Edmonton in the 2024-25 season and added six points (one goal, five assists) in seven postseason games.

Ekholm was a fourth-round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2009 NHL Draft. He has appeared in 884 regular-season games with Nashville (2011-23) and Edmonton and has recorded 360 points (86 goals, 274 assists). He has an additional 58 points (13 goals, 45 assists) in 119 playoff games.

The Oilers open the 2025-26 season at home against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.