Mattias Ekholm shares heartfelt message on social media

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Liam McCormick
July 12, 2024 (4:47 PM)

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Mattias Ekholm has fit seamlessly into the Oilers lineup since being acquired at the trade deadline in 2022. Now after his first full season, Ekholm posted a note thanking fans for an incredible time so far in Edmonton.

Edmonton,

Our first full season has now come to an end and we are beyond grateful for the way this city has welcomed us. Although we wish we could have written another end to this amazing season, we will always remember how a hockey team and a city came together and shared one big dream. Keep on believing, see you in the fall.
-Mattias Ekholm

It's an incredible heartfelt message from Ekholm for his brief stint in Edmonton that's felt like a perfect fit from the beginning. Interestingly, Ekholm used the phrase �Keep Believing' also used by Connor McDavid in his year-end post, maybe hinting towards a slogan within the group for next season.

Now 34 years old, Ekholm has become a steadying veteran presence in the Oilers lineup, and potentially one of their most important players. His style of play pairs perfect with Evan Bouchard, and when they're on the ice with the top six, they create a lethal 5-man unit. Ekholm is the perfect mix of being able to play defensively and move the puck, and is a massive part of the Oilers success. It's great to see he's feeling the love back from the fanbase.

Next season the Oilers will be running back a more complete lineup, and will be motivated by the heartbreak of last playoff. Everyone in hockey knows they have the full ability to win the Stanley Cup, now they need to execute it.