This August, Oilersnation will ask one question about every Edmonton Oilers player projected to be on the 2026-27 roster in preparation for the upcoming season. From Connor McDavid to Mattias Janmark, let’s ask some questions. 

When the Edmonton Oilers acquired Mattias Ekholm ahead of the 2023 Trade Deadline, he completely transformed their blueline and pushed them toward Stanley Cup contention. Not only did he provide a steady two-way presence, but he also found instant synergy with the team’s up-and-coming offensive defenceman, Evan Bouchard. Fast forward a few years, and the Ekholm-Bouchard pair has now played over 3,500 minutes together. They’ve outscored opponents by 71 goals at five-on-five, and posted a 60 per cent expected goal share in that time.

In other words, complete domination.

Despite years of trotting out dicey second pairs, usually featuring Darnell Nurse next to a rotating door of failed experiments, Edmonton’s top pair kept the Oilers competitive with the league’s best. Ekholm has been one of the best trade acquisitions in franchise history, but the team is once again undergoing a major transition on defence. Stan Bowman dealt Nurse to the San Jose Sharks earlier this summer for Shakir Mukhamadullin and signed Ryan Shea. Their depth chart at left defence has a refreshing new look.

The Oilers have played a ton of hockey over the last three years — 299 games, to be exact — and Ekholm has become the team’s oldest skater at 36 years of........

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