Oilers' Ekholm making 2025 playoff debut in Game 5 vs. Stars

Mattias Ekholm is back.

The Edmonton Oilers announced Thursday that the veteran defenseman will play in Game 5 against the Dallas Stars.

Ekholm has yet to suit up this postseason because of an undisclosed injury. He last played April 11 against the San Jose Sharks.

The 35-year-old was in his usual spot at Thursday's morning skate on the top defense pair with Evan Bouchard.

LD RD Mattias Ekholm Evan Bouchard Darnell Nurse Brett Kulak Jake Walman John Klingberg

Troy Stecher appears to be the odd-man out on the back end.

Ekholm recorded 33 points in 65 games this season while averaging 22:12 per contest - the third-most among Oilers skaters. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound stalwart was acquired from the Nashville Predators at the 2023 trade deadline.

Veteran forward Jeff Skinner is also expected to re-enter the lineup with Zach Hyman out after he was injured in Game 4. It would be the second career playoff game for Skinner, who's been scratched since appearing in Game 1 against the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1.

The Oilers are one win away from setting up a Stanley Cup Final rematch with the Florida Panthers. They hold a 3-1 series lead on the Stars in the Western Conference Final.

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