Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm is grappling with significant disappointment after being informed he will not be part of Sweden's roster for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
A Short, Painful Phone Call
The veteran blueliner received the news in a brief phone call that left little room for discussion. The conversation, which took place in early January 2026, was described as a massive let-down, evoking feelings of hurt and anger for the player who viewed the Olympics as a pinnacle event alongside the Stanley Cup.
"This was probably my last shot at it. It's right up there with the Stanley Cup, the Olympics. Huge disappointment, not much I can do about it now," Ekholm stated candidly after an Oilers practice.
Who Made the Team Instead?
Sweden's coaching staff, led by Sam Hallam, opted for other defensemen, filling the final spots on a strong blue line with former Oiler Philip Broberg, who has excelled with the St. Louis Blues, and Toronto Maple Leafs veteran Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Ekholm was told he had "just missed" the cut and is now on a standby list, available if injuries occur before the NHL schedule pauses for the Olympic break on February 5, 2026. Other notable defensemen who were considered but omitted include Boston's Hampus Lindholm and Detroit's rising star Simon Edvinsson.
The Swedish team's top six defensemen are projected to be Victor Hedman, Rasmus Dahlin, and Gustav Forsling on the left side, with Erik Karlsson, Jonas Brodin, and Rasmus Andersson on the right. Hedman's status is currently in question as he recovers from elbow surgery.
History with the Coach
The seeds for this decision may have been planted nearly a year earlier. At the 4 Nations Face-off tournament in February 2025, a flu-ridden Ekholm seemingly fell out of favour with Coach Hallam. The coach planned to sit him for the final game, only dressing him as an extra defenseman with minimal ice time due to forward illnesses.
"I hope that wasn't a part of it," Ekholm remarked regarding that tournament. "I don't think it was anywhere near as big a deal as the media brought it out to be. It's more a question for him (Hallam), he's the one picking the team."
Despite a slow start to the 2025-26 NHL season alongside many of his Edmonton teammates, Ekholm's performance has notably improved over the past month and a half. He believes his recent play demonstrated he is an effective player deserving of an Olympic spot.
"I think I've done everything I can on the ice, especially in the last month, month and a half. I've really shown what I can do out there... But, obviously, he didn't think so," Ekholm concluded.
While some may suggest the three-week Olympic break will offer the 34-year-old a chance to rest and recharge for the Oilers' playoff push, that is little consolation for the competitor. His dream of a first Olympic appearance remains, for now, with his nose pressed against the glass.
