Mattias Ekholm delivers scary concussion details as Oilers await Zach Hyman news
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Mattias Ekholm has cleared every return to play step after his concussion and says he could play tomorrow, but the Oilers still have no word on Zach Hyman.
Mattias Ekholm says he is ready to go.
The Edmonton Oilers defenseman revealed he has passed every return to play protocol after the first concussion of his career, and he believes he could suit up as soon as tomorrow.
The 36-year-old went down early in the third period of Edmonton's 6-5 shootout win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, Oct. 22, after a collision with William Carrier.
Teammates helped him off the ice, he did not return, and he was ruled out of Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ekholm says the scare passed quickly
Ekholm admitted the first few moments were frightening because his body would not cooperate and he could not get himself up.
Once he reached the tunnel, though, he felt like himself again.
No headaches, no symptoms, and he has felt good ever since.
He considers himself lucky it was not worse, almost as if someone was looking out for him.
"It was scary at first. My legs just gave out and I couldn't get up to my knees even, but as soon as I got down the tunnel it was like someone flipped the light switch back on and I was back to normal with no headaches or symptoms. I've been feeling good since a few minutes after it happened. Luckily I have felt good ever since. I think have an angel watching over me, because it could have been a lot worse."
- Mattias Ekholm
- Mattias Ekholm
That is a welcome update for an Oilers group that has been hit hard by injuries early in the season.
Ekholm had played 10 games, picking up three points while averaging 21:45 of ice time.
Hyman is the next worry
Zach Hyman is now the bigger concern.
He left Monday's loss to the Detroit Red Wings with what looked like a head injury, and Jason Gregor reported he will likely miss at least a week.
Hyman had only played a handful of games since returning from a previous injury.
Head coach Mike Babcock had no update on Hyman.
Edmonton will hope Ekholm's clean bill of health helps steady a banged-up lineup while Hyman's status stays unclear.
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