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The Edmonton Oilers have made an enormous transfer to improve their blue line forward of the deadline by buying defenseman Mattias Ekholm from the Nashville Predators. In return, the Oilers are sending defenseman Tyson Barrie, 2022 first-round decide Reid Schaefer, a 2023 first-round decide, and a 2023 fourth-round decide to the Predators.
Ekholm, 32, is a terrific shutdown defenseman, which was a serious want for the Oilers. In his 12 years with Nashville, Ekholm has proven that he can drive play from the again finish. Even on an underwhelming Predators roster this season, Ekholm has a five-on-five anticipated objectives share of 54.68%, per Natural Stat Trick.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Ekholm has the power to chip in on offense. In 57 video games this season, Ekholm has recorded 18 factors (5 objectives and 13 assists). He has additionally recorded 30 or extra factors 5 totally different occasions in his profession.
Ekholm will instantly present an improve to Edmonton’s high 4, and he’ll give Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl some help on the defensive facet of issues. The Oilers are at the moment twenty second within the NHL in objectives allowed, and Ekholm will assist get rid of that flaw.
Schaefer was the No. 32 general decide within the 2022 NHL Draft, and he has 23 objectives in 44 video games with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL this season.
Barrie, a 12-year NHL veteran in his personal proper, is an influence play quarterback who’s having a robust season in that regard with 10 objectives and 33 assists in 61 video games. Barrie nonetheless has one other 12 months left on his contract at $4.5 million, so the Predators may flip him for extra belongings if there’s sufficient curiosity.
The Predators proceed to build up draft picks as they start their rebuild. After this commerce, Nashville now has 10 alternatives within the first two rounds of the following three drafts.
