Oilers' Mattias Ekholm set for return in Game 5 vs. Stars - ESPN

DALLAS — The Edmonton Oilers apparently will have defenseman Mattias Ekholm back in their lineup Thursday their potentially series-clinching victory in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Dallas Stars.

Ekholm has been out of the Oilers' lineup since April 11 with an undisclosed injury. He was ruled out through Edmonton's quarterfinal series against the Los Angeles Kings and their semifinal series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

There had been speculation about Ekholm returning for Game 5 only to see that discussion amplify at morning skate. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch had Ekholm skate on the top defensive pairing alongside Evan Bouchard, with Darnell Nurse and Brett Kulak on the second pairing followed by John Klingberg and Jake Walman.

Although Knoblauch didn't outright say that Ekholm would play, the decision to have him next to Bouchard at morning skate along with his comments at his press conference strongly suggested that it was a possibility he would return.

«Here's a guy that's been playing big minutes for us since he's pretty much came to Edmonton,» Knoblauch told reporters Thursday. «Playing a shut-down role, playing a penalty-kill role, power play, whatever. For him to come back and feeling great, it's a great addition to our team.»

Ekholm also spoke with reporters after morning skate — something that only happens when a player is healthy and could possibly play later that day.

«I'm hoping so! We'll see how warmups go and my nap, but yeah, it feels really good,» Ekholm said. «I think it's mostly been a conversation with our doctors. I came back twice and re-aggregated it about two months ago and just making sure I'm in a good spot where I can not just play but withstand some blows.»

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