Ekholm sidelined for a week or more with upper-body ailment
Edmonton defenseman Mattias Ekholm will miss a minimum of seven days after an upper-body issue in Thursday’s matchup with Carolina. He was checked by William Carrier early in the third period, seemed to strike his head on the ice, and needed help leaving the rink. The Oilers won 6-5 in a shootout, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each contributing five points.
Coach Mike Babcock said the Edmonton defenseman will sit out no fewer than seven days. The 36-year-old Swede was hurt early in the third when Carolina’s William Carrier checked him; he seemed to strike his head on the ice and needed assistance leaving.
Edmonton still beat Carolina 6-5 in a shootout. McDavid and Draisaitl each posted five points and figured in all five Oilers goals. Ekholm has three points and averages 21:45 over 10 games; he is in the first year of a three-year extension.
Ekholm’s absence may alter Edmonton’s defensive workload and fans’ short-term expectations, while drawing attention to head-contact risks in hockey. Teammates could absorb extra minutes, and supporters may track his recovery. Because the reported timeline is at least a week, the immediate social effect is likely concentrated among the team, its followers, and local hockey communities rather than the wider public.