Just when the Edmonton Oilers lose one key player to injury, another makes his return.
Defenceman Mattias Ekholm is expected to return to the lineup for Game 5 of the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars, the team confirmed on Thursday.
Ekholm participated in Thursday's morning skate on a pairing with Evan Bouchard while Corey Perry filled in for Zach Hyman following the news the winger is likely out for the season.
Ekholm hasn't played in a game since mid-April, so Thursday night marks his 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff debut. Before his injury, he contributed nine goals and 33 points this season. Over 112 career playoff games, the defenceman has 12 goals and 52 points.
In the Oilers' run to last year's Stanley Cup Final, the 35-year-old played nearly 22 minutes a night and scored five goals.
The Oilers lead the series 3-1.
Veteran forward and former 40-goal man Jeff Skinner will take Hyman's place on the roster and suit up for just the second post-season contest of a 15-season career.
Live coverage of Thursday's Game 5 between the Oilers and Stars will be available on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT.
--with files from The Canadian Press
