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Mattias Ekholm opens up about his trade to Oilers and how it has turned out to be great experience for his kids & family
Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm recently opened up about his experience in Edmonton since being traded last season. Ekholm was candid in expressing his enjoyment with the move north and how it has benefited both him and his family (0:16).
"It's just a lot of little things that turned out really good for us," Ekholm said on Friday.
"Obviously my family enjoys it, we got some snow, we got the kids in skiing and hockey and all kind of stuff which we're not used to, and it’s part of the DNA so to speak."
The veteran Swedish blueliner went on to praise the Oilers organization and the team's ability to contend.
"And then, you get to come to a really good team that can compete and contend. It wasn't my choice, I just got traded here, but it has turned out really well for us."
Ekholm credited the Edmonton community and the welcoming atmosphere his family has experienced since joining the Oilers.
"We really enjoy it, both Ida and myself and the kids, they've enjoyed the community feeling, that I feel like Canada is in Edmonton per se."
The trade that brought Ekholm to Edmonton was orchestrated by Oilers GM Ken Holland, whom the defenseman made sure to thank.
"I don't really care as much about my own career right now. I just want to win, I want to be with the team that is competitive, and I do think that we are, and this is a nice moment to thank him (Holland), without him, I wouldn't be here."
In return for Mattias Ekholm, the Oilers dealt away Tyson Barrie, prospect Reid Schaefer and a first-round pick to Nashville Predators. Just over a year later, Ekholm has proven to be an exceptional addition, setting career highs in 11 goals and 45 points during his first full season in Edmonton.
Mattias Ekholm shares his thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final
As the Edmonton Oilers prepare for the Stanley Cup Final, Mattias Ekholm believes the team has the necessary experience to capture hockey's ultimate prize (1:27).
"I feel like this team has gone through it," Mattias Ekholm explained. "Even the year before I got here they were in the Conference Final, last year, we lost to the Cup champion.”
“I feel like we have experience. This is just another step. Obviously, it's a little ramped up with media and all that kind of stuff, but we just kind of make sure that tomorrow morning our heads are clear; we're focused on one hockey game, and that's tomorrow night."
Ekholm feels the Oilers have what it takes mentally and physically to hoist the Stanley Cup. Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers is set to take place on Saturday in Florida.
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