Defenceman Mattias Ekholm is expected to make his Edmonton Oilers debut Wednesday when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs (630 CHED, Face-off Show at 4:30 p.m., game at 6 p.m.).
“He’s a veteran defender with great experience. Good length. Takes a lot of pride in the way he plays the game,” said head coach Jay Woodcroft, who added Ekholm will be paired with Evan Bouchard.
Ekholm was acquired from the Nashville Predators on Tuesday for Tyson Barrie, prospect Reid Schaefer, and two draft picks.
“I think he knows how to shut guys down. He defends hard. He defends the right way, and he’s really good with the puck on his stick,” noted Leon Draisaitl. “He’s an all-round, really good defenceman.”
With Barrie gone, Bouchard is expected to take over as the point man on the Oilers power play, which leads the league at 31.9 pre cent.
“It’s never exciting to see someone go, but it is an opportunity for me and hopefully I can take it and run with it,” said Bouchard.
“In terms of our power play, historically it’s shown to be good with different types of personnel,” said Woodcroft. “Bouchard has got some reps in that spot. He’s been an understudy, so to speak, over the last year-and-a-half.”
The Maple Leafs have feasted on the Oilers at Rogers Place since the building opened for the 2016/17 season, going 9-0-1.