Mattias Ekholm Takes A Major Step Forward Toward A Return In The Conference Finals

Mattias Ekholm has missed the entire Stanley Cup Playoffs after suffering an injury early in April.

Since suffering the injury Ekholm's timeline to return has been unclear but head coach Kris Knoblauch did indicate he could return some time in the Western Conference Finals.

Ekholm's absence along with the absence of goaltender Calvin Pickard have put the Oilers at a severe disadvantage that they have fought against particularly in Round 2.

To this point, Ekholm had not returned to practice which made his return any time soon seem nearly impossible.

This afternoon, that has all changed, as Ekholm finally returned to practice during the Oilers optional skate.

Ekholm was seen skating and participating in individual drills and reports confirmed he has not been ruled out for Game 1 as of now.

During the skate, head coach Kris Knoblauch could be seen watching Ekholm with a careful eye.

With Ekholm back at practice the Edmonton Oilers can now truly begin to gauge how close he is to a return.

While ultimately the decision will be up to head coach Kris Knoblauch one would have to imagine Ekholm will push to play as soon as he safely can.

The Edmonton Oilers are going to need all hands on deck to take down the Dallas Stars for a second year in a row in the Western Conference Finals and punch their ticket back to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Over the next several days as Game 1 approaches all eyes will be on the Oilers practice and head coach Kris Knoblauch's press conference for updates regarding Ekholm's status.