Ekholm, Hyman Embrace New Roles at Oilers Camp

Mattias Ekholm and Zach Hyman said they are prepared to adapt as Mike Babcock experiments with Edmonton's lineup at training camp.

Ekholm skated with Shakir Mukhamadullin on the third pair during Friday's scrimmage, while Ryan Shea worked beside Evan Bouchard. The combinations remain fluid — Babcock said Thursday that the early pairs were not definitive — but Ekholm said his priority is helping the team rather than preserving a particular assignment.

"My biggest goal is to help the team, whether that is playing 23 minutes a night with Bouch, or if it's playing on a third pair or a second pair," Ekholm said. "All I've got left to do in my career is to win, and that's all I want to do."

Ekholm, 36, is beginning a three-year contract with a $4 million annual average value after averaging 20:36 per game last season. He cited Corey Perry as an example of a veteran extending his career by accepting a different role.

Hyman opened camp on a line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Ike Howard as the Oilers kept Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid together. Hyman, newly named an alternate captain, said Babcock's arrival has made camp feel new again.

"It feels like we're rookies again," Hyman said. "You're learning, and you have a coach that's coming in that has a real strong presence."

Hyman is also entering camp healthy after a wrist injury from the 2025 Conference Final affected his preparation last year. "I couldn't pass the puck this time last year," he said. "This summer was amazing."

The scrimmage included a brief scare when Mukhamadullin sent McDavid into the net. McDavid stayed down momentarily, then scored on the ensuing penalty shot. Jason Dickinson left the earlier practice with an injury, though Babcock did not expect a long absence.

Edmonton opens its four-game preseason schedule Saturday against Winnipeg at Rogers Place.