Swedish source reveals Mattias Ekholm health status and reason for scratch at 4 Nations
Photo credit: David Kirouac - Imagn Images
Team Sweden made a highly surpassing decision today to make Oilers veteran defenceman Mattias Ekholm a healthy scratch, and now they've explained it's for performance related reasons.
Sweden announced that both Mattias Ekholm and Viktor Arvidsson would be made healthy scratches for today's must-win game, with Rasmus Andersson and Leo Carlsson replacing them.
Swedish reporter reveals reasoning behind healthy scratch for Mattias Ekholm
Initially, most fans assumed Ekholm may be injured or dealing with illness to warrant the scratch.
However, according to a report from Swedish reporter Henrik Leman, the decision to scratch Ekholm was to give themselves the best possible lineup - a shocking choice given Ekholm is a steady, established defender and an assistant captain of their team.
I'm told it's a purely sporting decision. Respect that people can see things differently, but in my world one of the team's absolute best and most important defenders is being picked - who would have been even more important against the tough USA. Ekholm has given EK65 the chance to shine, and is also assistant captain.
- Henrik Leman, Translated from Swedish
- Henrik Leman, Translated from Swedish
Leman even initially said that he assumed Ekholm was injured, otherwise it was a mind-boggling decision.
The Swedish coach confirmed that Ekholm is fully healthy and available, but is being chosen to be subbed out for Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson.
Especially against a tough matchup against Team USA tonight, it's very surprising Sweden would take out a steady defensive presence like Ekholm.
Mattias Ekholm stung by healthy scratch at 4 Nations Faceoff
The 34 year old Oilers defenceman is having another solid season in Edmonton, and forms one of the best defence pairings in the league alongside Evan Bouchard. It's perhaps a telling sign now that both of the Oilers top defenceman were cut from their national teams.
It's a tough break for Ekholm personally, who no doubt wants the opportunity to play against the USA in a highly anticipated game tonight.
Hopefully Ekholm can take some motivation from this scratch, and bring his best in the back half of the Oilers season.
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
