Mattias Ekholm

Mattias Hans Ekholm (born 24 May 1990) is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman. He currently plays for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has also played for the Nashville Predators. Outside of the NHL, he has also played for Mora IK and Brynäs IF of the Elitserien.

Career
Before playing in the NHL, Ekholm played parts of one seasons with Mora IK and two seasons with Brynäs IF of Elitserien. He had a successful time with Brynäs, winning the Elitserien Rookie of the Year award. He was also awarded the Salming Trophy for being the best defenceman in the Elitserien. This came after he had scored 8 goals and recorded 16 points in 40 regular-season games.

He was drafted 102nd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2009 NHL entry draft. On 12 May 2011, Ekholm signed a three-year entry-level contract to join the Predators. On 13 October, Ekholm made his NHL debut in a 5–2 loss against the Phoenix Coyotes. On 2013 October 26, he recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a Nick Spaling shorthanded goal in a 6–1 loss against the St. Louis Blues. On 2014 January 7, Ekholm scored his first NHL goal against Antti Niemi in a 3–2 win against the San Jose Sharks. On 9 July, Ekholm signed a two-year, $2.075 million contract to stay with the Predators. On 19 September 2017, the Predators named Ekholm as an alternate captain for the team. On 13 October 2021, Ekholm signed a four-year, $25 million contract to remain with the Predators.

On 28 February 2023, the Predators traded Ekholm along with a 2023 sixth-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Tyson Barrie, Reid Schaefer, a 2023 first-round draft pick and a 2024 fourth-round draft pick.

References

 Other websites 

Category:1990 births
Category:Living people
Category:Edmonton Oilers players
Category:Milwaukee Admirals players
Category:Nashville Predators players
Category:Swedish ice hockey defencemen