Ekholm has also shown an ability to elevate his play when the stakes are at their highest, as he scored five goals in 25 games during last year’s Stanley Cup run. Getting him back at all during these playoffs would greatly increase the Oilers’ chances of winning it all in just over a month.

Veteran defenceman's status has been upgraded to day-to-day as the team prepares to play either Dallas or Winnipeg starting next week