Mattias Ekholm says Oilers are seeking revenge next season

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Liam McCormick
July 27, 2024 (1:46 PM)

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In a recent Swedish interview, Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm opened up about the trade to the Oilers and his time with the team so far.

Most notably, Ekholm also spoke about the need for revenge, or the motivation to win the Stanley Cup after losing in Game 7 last year. Ekholm sounded incredibly confident, motivated, and experienced - ready to win the Cup.

«It's hard to be dissatisfied with so much positive happening, but I'm still sitting here and haven't won. Somewhere inside, it burns and gnaws at me.

Is there a hunger for revenge in the coming season?

«Yes, I think we have a good team this season. Maybe even better than last season. But then we have to execute. I think we played 106 games this season, and it's not easy to find your way back to a new final.»

Ekholm also explained his thoughts on the Game 7 loss to the Panthers, saying they were just better when it mattered. He also defended McDavid and Draisaitl from criticism for not scoring in the final games, citing their incredible season and pushing through injuries.

To criticize when we were one goal away from overtime in Game 7, you have to realize that we faced a good team that was simply a bit better when it mattered.

It's interesting to hear how bittersweet this season was for players, recognizing they had a special group that came up just short. Thankfully they'll be mostly back and better this season, but as Ekholm said, they'll have a long way to go to another Stanley Cup Final after already playing so many games. As a 34 year old physical two way defender, Ekholm is starting to feel the twangs of age in the offseason.

Ekholm also opened up about the shock and difficulty of being traded out of his long-time NHL home in Nashville, but how incredible Edmonton has been in embracing him. The city has become quick fans of the high-end defenceman, and he's earned an increased role with the Oilers.

With the development of Evan Bouchard into a star defenceman in the NHL, the Oilers top pairing with Ekholm fits together perfectly and is one of the most dominant pairings across the league. When the Oilers top pairing is out on the ice with the top line, they create a 5 man unit that's difficult for anyone to stop. The players know this, and it's a huge reason they should be confident in reaching the Cup Final again.

Source: OilersNation