Heading into training camp a lot of focus has been placed on Connor McDavid's contract negotiations but today we have an update on Mattias Ekholm and Jake Walman. The Edmonton Oilers continue to try and build a roster capable of getting over the hump and finally winning a Stanley Cup. Over the last couple of seasons, the area of focus for GM Stan Bowman and the front office has been improving the defensive corps. The first move was a trade to bring in Mattias Ekholm back in 2023 at the trade deadline. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/timandfriends/status/1630702167416885251'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> More recently, the Oilers traded for Jake Walman from the San Jose Sharks at the 2025 trade deadline. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/nhl/status/1897906658539364360'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> Now, heading into the 2025-26 season, both players are in need of a an extension and NHL analyst and insider Bob Stauffer has given an initial look at how talks are going. <h3>Bob Stauffer Gives An Update On Extension Talks With Two Key Defensemen</h3> While <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/nhl-insider-elliotte-friedman-reveals-unexpected-update-on-what-connor-mcdavid-salary-is-likely-to-be' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>McDavid's extension remains the biggest priority</a> Stauffer believes that the Oilers would like to have Ekholm and Walman both come back. At 35 years old Ekholm is expected to get a short to mid term range deal while Stauffer believes Walman could be locked up long-term in Edmonton. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/kgill39/status/1965221694181888017'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> The Oilers don't particularly have a lot of salary cap space to go around especially if a McDavid deal gets done so fitting both players in under the salary cap will remain a challenge. If the Oilers can only pick one player it will be interesting to see if they prioritize youth and potential upside or experience and veteran presence.