Another significant signing gets done in Edmonton

The Edmonton Oilers are busy ahead of their home opener later tonight. Before the Battle of Alberta against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Place, the Oilers got some business done, announcing that they have signed defenseman Mattias Ekholm to a three-year contract extension with an AAV of $4 million.

Ekholm, who heads into his 15th NHL season and fourth with the Oilers, took part in 65 games last season, scoring nine goals and adding 24 assists in 22:12 of ice time a night.

Selected with the 102nd overall pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Ekholm spent the first 11-plus seasons of his career with the Predators. He was acquired by the Oilers in February of 2023 in a trade that saw a first-round pick and Tyson Barrie head back to Nashville.

For his career, Ekholm has 86 goals and 274 assists in 884 games, averaging 21:44 on ice a night.

He will be in the home opener roster tonight with a secure deal in place.