Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm has been passed over for the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking the second time he's been excluded from Team Sweden's roster. Despite a recent hat trick, the Swedes opted for Hampus Lindholm as an injury replacement, a decision that has stirred debate among fans and analysts. While disappointing for Ekholm, this snub may ultimately benefit the Oilers as they gear up for a deep playoff run.
Ekholm, who will turn 36 in May, has had a solid NHL career, amassing over 900 games with the Nashville Predators and Oilers. This season, he's on pace for nearly 40 points and continues to play top-pairing minutes for Edmonton. His analytical grades remain strong, and he's considered a reliable defenseman with significant playoff experience. Despite these credentials, it wasn't enough to earn him a spot on the Swedish Olympic team.
The timing of the snub is particularly ironic, considering Ekholm's recent offensive outburst, including his first career hat trick in a 7-4 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on January 26, 2026. Sweden has been dealing with injuries to key players like Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin, leading many to believe that Ekholm would be a logical replacement on the blueline. Instead, Sweden chose to add forward Marcus Johansson and defenseman Hampus Lindholm.
There are a few possible explanations for Ekholm's exclusion. Some speculate that friction between Ekholm and head coach Sam Hallam during last year's 4 Nations tournament may have played a role. Others suggest that Sweden is opting for a "sleeker, more high-event blueline".
However, the most significant benefit to the Oilers is Ekholm's health. He has dealt with health issues over the past two seasons, and his workload has taken a toll. His participation in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year left him worn down, impacting his performance. By the time the playoffs arrived, he wasn't at full strength, which significantly impacted the Oilers. Avoiding the grind of the Olympics could ensure Ekholm is healthy and ready for a deep playoff run. The Oilers need Ekholm at his best if they hope to contend for the Stanley Cup.
Ekholm himself has acknowledged the disappointment of missing the Olympics, calling it "probably my last shot" and placing it "right up there with the Stanley Cup" in terms of importance. However, he conceded that the decision has been made and that he'll have to live with it.
Oilers fans can find a silver lining in this situation. A well-rested and healthy Ekholm is a significant asset for the team as they prepare for the playoffs. While representing one's country in the Olympics is a great honor, Ekholm's focus will now be solely on helping the Oilers achieve their ultimate goal: winning the Stanley Cup. He signed a three-year, $12 million contract extension with the Oilers in October 2025, which goes into effect in the 2026-27 season. With his contract extended, Ekholm is set to remain a key part of the Oilers' core for years to come, and his availability for the playoffs is paramount.
