Mattias Ekholm to return from injury for Oilers in Game 5 against Stars
DALLAS - Mattias Ekholm will return to the Edmonton Oilers lineup for Game 5 of the NHL's Western Conference final against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.
The top-pair defenceman suffered a lower-body injury March 26, missed seven contests and then returned for just three shifts on April 11 before again getting shut down.
Ekholm took part in the morning skate alongside usual partner Evan Bouchard at American Airlines Center for the Oilers, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1 and can book a second consecutive Stanley Cup final berth with a victory over the Stars.
The 35-year-old blueliner returns at a time when Edmonton is dealing with a massive loss up front. Grinding winger Zach Hyman, a staple on Connor McDavid's line and the playoff leader in hits this spring with 111, suffered an upper-body injury in Game 4 that required surgery.
Veteran forward and former 40-goal man Jeff Skinner will take his place on the roster and suit up for just the second post-season contest of a 15-season career.
Game 6, if necessary, would be back in Edmonton on Saturday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 29, 2025.
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