Oilers and Predators finalized their trade.

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Ryan Hall
May 17, 2023 (10:26)

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With the season in the playoffs behind them, the Oilers and the Nashville Predators have finalized the trade they made at the deadline for the Oilers to acquire defenseman Mattias Ekholm.

The trade was deemed a success for the Oilers as they went on an incredible run to finish the season and push themselves into a solid playoff spot. Having been bumped out of the second round, the Nashville Predators will receive the 24th choice overall in the first round this season.

Nashville also acquired defenseman Tyson Barrie, young forward Reid Schaefer and a fourth-round choice in 2024.

At 32, Ekholm began a four-year $25 million contract. The Oilers will have his services for the remaining three seasons and hold a $6.25 million cap hit. Having become now the number one defenseman in the Oilers organization at that price seems to be a bit of a bargain considering what he brings to the team.

His leadership and skillset were on full display going down the stretch and will continue to help the Oilers into next season.

Barring any trades during the draft it will be held on June 28th and 29th. The Oilers have four draft choices in the second, 5th, 6th and 7th rounds.

There is a possibility that general manager Ken Holland will be busy on the phones trying to bolster his team and potentially acquire more draft picks.