Mattias Ekholm`s return to the ice will be delayed.
The Edmonton Oilers will start the Stanley Cup Playoffs without defenseman Mattias Ekholm, as confirmed by coach Kris Knoblauch to reporters on Monday. He will be sidelined for at least the entire first round.
Earlier reports from Elliotte Friedman on `Saturday Headlines` suggested the Oilers were bracing for the possibility of Ekholm being out for the remainder of the season.
Ekholm, originally back in the lineup on Friday after missing seven games due to an undisclosed injury, had to leave the game after just two shifts. He re-aggravated an existing injury.
This season, 34-year-old Ekholm has accumulated 33 points, including nine goals and 24 assists, while playing an average of 22 minutes and 12 seconds in 64 games.
In other team news, Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman were absent from Monday`s game against the Los Angeles Kings. McDavid`s absence is precautionary, while Hyman is recovering from an injury sustained on Friday.
Coach Knobluach indicated that Leon Draisaitl and Hyman are unlikely to participate in the final two regular-season games. However, they are expected to be ready for Game 1 of the playoff series against the Kings.
The availability of Evander Kane and Trent Frederic for the first playoff game remains uncertain.
On a positive note, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is set to rejoin the lineup on Monday after recovering from an illness.
