Oilers defenceman Ekholm out with concussion ahead of Maple Leafs game
The veteran defenceman was injured in a collision during Edmonton's win over Carolina on Thursday.
EDMONTON · The Edmonton Oilers will be without defenceman Mattias Ekholm for Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs due to a concussion. Head coach Mike Babcock confirmed the injury on Friday. Ekholm suffered the concussion in a collision with Carolina Hurricanes forward William Carrier during the third period of Edmonton's 6-5 shootout win on Thursday. He appeared to hit his head on the ice and needed assistance from teammates to leave the ice.
Ekholm, 36, has one goal and two assists in 10 games this season. Babcock said the veteran defenceman will be sidelined for the matchup at Rogers Place. The Oilers also placed goaltender Devon Levi on injured reserve and recalled Matt Tomkins from the Bakersfield Condors under emergency conditions. Tristan Jarry is scheduled to start in goal against Toronto.
How did Ekholm get injured?
The injury occurred early in the third period of Thursday's game against the Hurricanes. Ekholm was attempting to play the puck in his own zone when Carrier delivered a clean hit. Ekholm's head came in contact with the ice during the collision. He stayed on his knees as trainers attended to him before eventually getting to his feet. Teammates helped him off the ice as he appeared unsteady.
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Captain Connor McDavid said he did not see the play happen. "I don't like to watch that. I don't like to see that stuff, obviously, with someone that we care about so much," McDavid said. "But he's doing great. He looks great, feels great, so that's really positive. But you never like to see that." Ekholm was seen in the high-five line at the end of the game, and teammates indicated he appeared to be doing well.
Who will replace Ekholm in the lineup?
Shakir Mukhamadullin is poised to return to the lineup in Ekholm's place against the Maple Leafs. He filled Ekholm's spot on the top defensive pairing with Evan Bouchard during Friday's practice. Babcock said the coaching staff had not finalized the lineup for Saturday and would decide later. The coach praised Mukhamadullin's recent play.
"He should have never come out of the lineup. He played great. He made one mistake on a box out, and we pulled him out," Babcock said. "That was one clip. He wasn't in three games, but he's played great for us. We like him." Mukhamadullin was a healthy scratch for Edmonton's last three wins after a 4-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth last week.
What is the status of the Maple Leafs?
Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry, who is set to start Saturday, made his Edmonton debut against Toronto last season. He recorded 25 saves on 28 shots in a 5-3 win on Dec. 13. "It's always fun to play the Maple Leafs," Jarry said. "No matter what team you're on, they travel well. They always have a strong following, so it's always a fun game." He expects a significant contingent of visiting fans at Rogers Place.
When is the game and how can you watch it?
The Edmonton Oilers host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Rogers Place on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. MDT. The game will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+. Fans can also listen on the Oilers Radio Network, including 880CHED. The Oilers are looking to extend their winning streak to four games and continue their strong start to the season.
With files from Sportsnet