Tue, Feb 28, 2023 at 6:45pm

EDMONTON ADDS EKHOLM!

The Edmonton Oilers acquired defenseman Mattias Ekholm and a sixth-round draft pick in 2024 from the Nashville Predators for defenseman Tyson Barrie, winger Reid Schaefer, a first-round draft pick in 2023 and a fourth-round draft pick in 2024.

What does it give the Edmonton Oilers
This is a very important trade for the Oilers, and possibly for the entire Western Conference. Ekholm is an excellent shutdown defenseman who should make a real impact in Edmonton. The Oilers just got a lot better with Ekholm, who is signed through 2025-26.

What does it give the Nashville Predators
The Predators managed to get a decent return in exchange for Ekholm, especially since the team decided to sell off assets in recent days. Barrie is a veteran offensive D-man who can work the power play, while Schaefer is a true power forward. He is the key to the deal.

Fantasy impact
Barrie's fantasy stock takes a dive leaving Edmonton's vaunted power play, while Ekholm's value may surge playing with the Oilers. Shaefer is a player suited to play in Nashville, so his stock will not dip leaving Edmonton. He should be picked up in deep keeper formats.