Nashville Predators: Ekholm still an enigma on Predators defense

On a defensive-minded team, it is easy to see only part of a players production. In full view, Ekholm is still a concern for the Nashville Predators.

Stats are helpful. They provide a numerical foundation for discussion on who is a better performer on the ice. Yet, sometimes, digging deeper into the numbers reveals concerns. Even more, the eye test can provided truth numbers cannot. And, for the Nashville Predators, there is one important players that appears to be an enigma.

It is difficult to see at first, but look at all information and watch the games. That players is Mattias Ekholm. That is not to say he is a bad player, or no longer valuable to the team. It is simply a question as to his consistency.

The past

For those who are long-time Predators fans, you are aware of the concerns former coach Barry Trotz displayed for Ekholm. In 2011, Trotz proclaimed the young defensemen to be “horrible, just horrible,” according to an article by Pro Hockey Talk. Ekholm was sent back to Sweden, but made his way back to the team by the start of the 2013-14 season. That season was still a bit of a struggle, as he accounted for only 9 points and 55 blocks while averaging 16 minutes and 49 seconds on ice per game.

Over the next three season, Ekholm’s production increased. More points, more blocks, more time. In 2015-16, he notched 35 points. He followed that up with 23 points last season, while earning over 23 minutes of ice time per game. That increase in time was over three minutes more per game than in 2015-16.

And, for much of last season, Ekholm was paired with P.K. Subban. As a pair, they shutdown opponents regularly.

One more look through the stats shows something interesting. Ekholm player all 82 games. No other defensemen player more than 74. And, if you divide play in to Even-Strength and Power-play, Ekholm is by far the Predators best at limiting shots.

But, then you have moments where it just seems like his head is not on straight. Like in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final where a puck went off his knee and scored for the Penguins. There are just moments the Ekholm forgets where he is, and lapses occur.

The future

Our friends at On the Forecheck seem to think Ekholm has reached his ceiling. They may not be wrong. However, another 35 point season is not out of the question.

In 2016-17, Ekholm score 17 or his 23 points in the months of November, December and January. He tallied one point in eight games during October, and zero points in five games in April. And, he only scored four times total in the 27 games in February and March.

Ekholm is not going to be a goal-scorer, but can provide key assists. More consistency in play is going to be required, especially if on the ice with the second-line offense. That opportunity for mental lapses will be high as the team build chemistry offensively, so Ekholm must remain in position to block shots and make a few hits.

There is no reason he cannot earn 30 points in 2017. Considering his availability, his blocks must be closer to the 120-130 range of his teammates. Matt Irwin played in 74 games, and accrued 13 more blocks.

Next: The 5 Best Draft Picks in Predator’s History

Ekholm can do it. His consistency will be key.

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