While the initial Olympic rosters have been revealed, the attrition of the NHL schedule still has some twists and turns left. Notably, there will be injuries that take players that have been named to represent their country out of the equation. These unfortunate developments will continue until the tournament begins.
Still, where there is adversity there is also opportunity. Recently team Sweden announced it will likely be without both Gabriel Carlsson and Jonas Brodin at the upcoming Olympics. For Sweden a decision looms to replace their players, thrusting the Edmonton Oilers’ Mattias Ekholm into the spotlight as a potential replacement for Brodin.
Let’s take a closer look at if Ekholm has a chance to be named as a replacement, and what that might mean for the Oilers.
Team Sweden as a competitor
One of the favourites of the tournament, Sweden is one of the strongest rosters on paper. With a wealth of skilled wingers to choose from, Sweden’s deepest position is on the blueline. While their centre depth appears a cut below the best groups, their blueline has the star power and depth to be considered amongst the best the world has to offer.
Jonas Brodin was selected for his sound defensive abilities. The group does have some elite offensive options, like Rasmus Dahlin and Erik Karlsson, but as a whole the group is fairly balanced. Still, amongst several two-way players, like Rasmus Andersson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and former Oiler Philip Broberg, Brodin stood out as a defensive presence, perhaps only after Gustav Forsling.
Perhaps Sweden would have lined up as follows, with Brodin taking on a leading role on the penalty kill. Dahlin and Ekman-Larsson are expected to play their weak sides. In this hypothetical configuration, Brodin works as a foil to Erik Karlsson’s high flying game.
Forsling—Dahlin
Hedman—Andersson
Brodin—Karlsson
Broberg—Ekman-Larsson
Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman are currently injured, but appear on track to be ready for the tournament. Still, there is always a chance that Sweden will have to name more than one replacement to their original blueline.
The case for Ekholm
There is an argument that Ekholm represents as good a replacement for Brodin under these circumstances. Ekholm has a lot to offer on the defensive end, and has the experience to be a reliable partner to a high flying offensive option. To be frank, his offensive impacts are greater than Brodin’s, but his reputation as a defender is likely crucial to his candidacy within Sweden’s team concept.
Ekholm has excelled in a similar role with the Oilers, playing alongside the high flying Evan Bouchard. He was also partnered with Karlsson for Sweden in last year’s 4 Nations Face-off. While that tournament did not end well for Sweden, Ekholm’s resume speaks for itself.
There is a question of whether or not it is in the Oilers best interest that Ekholm is named to team Sweden. The veteran is showing signs of age, despite his high level of play. He worked through injuries in vital moments last season, and a long break might do well for him to preserve his health heading into the last stretch of the regular season.
All the same, there is an emotional aspect involved. Fans are eager to support their favourite players, and for those players to receive their proper recognition. Ekholm himself was disappointed not to be named to the team, acknowledging that it might be his last chance at an Olympic roster. Regardless of whether or not the rest is more valuable to the Oilers, fans of Ekholm will cheer for his desire to come true.
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Who else could make the list
The truth is that Sweden does have other options to choose from. They have a number of quality defencemen who could help round out their blueline, although with different attributes to consider.
Left-shot picks
Simon Edvinsson is just coming into his own alongside his upstart Detroit Red Wings. He plays top pairing minutes for the Wings, using a rare combination of size and skating skills to be a strong defensive option. While he might be a lock in four years time, it might be too soon for Sweden to trust the youngster.
Hampus Lindholm is four years younger than Ekholm, but gives up some size. He has a strong defensive game, though he is less physically imposing than Ekholm or Edvinsson.
Marcus Pettersson might be the most similar to Brodin in that he is far more focused on defence than on offence. He ranks second amongst Swedish NHL defencemen in short handed ice time per game this season, slightly behind Forsling and slightly ahead of Lindholm.
Provided the Swedes are set on bringing a left shot, Ekholm’s case is not necessarily stronger than either of these three outright. Ekholm’s age could be a factor, either positive or negative. Pettersson and Lindholm might be better options to fill the strictly defensive role vacated by Brodin. Edvinsson is the upside choice, though his inexperience might work against him.
Right-shot options
Although Dahlin and Ekman-Larsson are expected to play their weak sides to even out the Swedish blueline, they might opt for a right shot purely on principle. At the same time, balancing out fellow right shot Erik Karlsson’s game might be more important for a shutdown option.
Adam Larsson fits the bill, a stout and defensively minded player. If the Swedes are searching for a defensive option and prefer a right shot he has the inside track on the job. Larsson would replace Brodin’s defence, while his handedness might give Sweden greater lineup flexibility.
Another former Oiler, John Klingberg, deserves a shoutout though his offensive game is a great departure for what Brodin brings. To that effect, another young Red Wing deserves a shoutout, as Axel Sandin-Pellikka might be a lock for the next Olympics. Offensive right shot options might only come into play if Karlsson is unable to compete, if at all.
Is it possible for Ekholm?
Sweden has already shown a preference for veteran players, leaving some talented up and comers off of their squad. Ekholm’s history representing his country makes him a safe and reliable candidate to step in for Brodin. Given the role and the construction of the team, it is no surprise that Ekholm is on the short list of injury replacement options for Sweden.
He is not alone, and while other players certainly have compelling cases, Ekholm would be a very reasonable choice. Oilers fans might be torn, as some rest for Ekholm could go a long way towards his health for another deep playoff run. While fans will want Ekholm to fulfill his desire to represent his country, there is an easy hedge to rationalize optimism if Sweden decides to go in another direction.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
