Mattias Ekholm, D
Shoots: L	Height: 6-4	Weight:200
Born: 1990-05-24	Hometown: Borlange, Sweden	Drafted: 2009 by Nashville Predators, 102nd Overall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observations:

 

July 2014 – Ekholm was signed to a two year one way contract and it appears he’s with the big club to stay. Ekholm’s transition to the NHL has been fairly painless and after a stellar rookie season Ekholm will be looking for a greater role this upcoming season. Ekholm has decent offensive tools however he’s up against Weber, Josi, Jones, and Ellis for powerplay time and therefore won’t likely be a fantasy option in the short term. Donesh Mazloum

 

July 2013 – As rough as the first day of free agency was on the forward prospects of the Predators, the door is wide open for Ekholm to make the team this upcoming season. This offseason Nashville cut ties with TJ Brennan, Jonathon Blum, and Hal Gill leaving only three defenceman on the roster with over 80 games played. Barring any free agent signings, Ekholm will battle for one of the remaining spots of the back end with Seth Jones, Ryan Ellis, and Vic Bartley. Donesh Mazloum

 

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March 2013 – Ekholm’s offensive game has slowed down, but his size will see to it that he will be an NHLer. With quality puck-movers ahead of him in Nashville, that may be all that Nashville is looking for, despite his offensive skills. Dobber

 

May 2012 – Ekholm has good size but needs to use it more effectively. Ekholm has no glaring weakness but doesn’t posses any high-end skills either, playing a simple two-way game. With the depth on defense in Nashville there isn’t a lot of room for Ekholm at this point. Ekholm has made strides in his development recently winning the Elitserien Rookie of the Year award. Ryan Goddard

 

Fantasy Outlook: B-

 

Ekholm has shown an ability to put up decent point totals in the minor pro ranks. His current role in Nashville isn’t the most favourable, fantasy-wise, however he possesses some offensive upside.

 

Footage:

 

Tribute to the Elitserien Rookie of the Year:

 

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Buy the latest Fantasy Prospects Report here.

 

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