Mattias Ekholm appealed to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, which made him clear that although he is open to sign up again and “absolutely” wants to stay in Edmonton, he knows that the priority of the team is given a contract for No. 97.
With the contract situation of Connor McDavid that dominates the headlines in the competition, the 35-year-old defender understands that all the other-included status takes up his own status as a current unlimited free agent-one.
“Of course I want to stay in Edmonton,” said Ekholm. “But you first have to take care of the big boys. As soon as he (McDavid) is taken care of, I am sure we are talking.”
The circumstances of Ekholm are a bit different than those of some other UFAs of the oilers. At his age, a long -term deal clearly entails risk for the organization. Edmonton will have to balance the value he entails with the reality of CAP flexibility. Sometimes a longer contract helps to lower the annual cap -hit of a player, but there is always the question of when the return on that investment starts to fall.
On the way to the last year of his current deal, Ekholm admitted that he is aware of those factors. “I am getting older, but I know what I am bringing,” he said. “This season will be important for me and for the team.” A strong performance can put negotiations straight on the table. A down year or health problems can complicate what Edmonton is willing to offer.
Health is already a subject, because Ekholm revealed how much he had fought during last season’s play -off run. He played in the Stanley Cup final against the Florida Panthers with a torn adductor muscle, a serious injury that made him difficult to be effective. “I feel great now, much better,” he said. “It was difficult in the play -offs. You are more to survive than to actually play your game.”
For now, the Focus van Ekholm is on the weather on full form and contributing this season. The future – and a possible new contract – waiting for McDavid’s situation is resolved.
Next: “I love the goals more”: McDavid sets a new scoring objective for 2025-26
#Ekholm #offers #update #health #oil #contracts #midst #McDavid #Drama