Olympic selections often bring pride for a player, but they can also bring tough news. For some players, the timing matters more because selection becomes a factor of age and opportunity.
That reality reached Edmonton defenseman Mattias Ekholm this week. It led to an honest response about what the Olympics still mean late in his career.
Mattias Ekholm Opens Up on Disappointment After Missing Sweden’s 2026 Olympic Roster
Mattias Ekholm did not hide his feelings after learning he would not make Sweden’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Speaking during a media availability, the Edmonton Oilers defenseman shared how the decision landed with him.
“Yeah, just disappointed. I mean, that was probably my last shot at it,” Ekholm said. “It’s something that’s right up there with the Stanley Cup, with the Olympics, so it’s obviously a huge disappointment, and not much I can do about it right now.”
Ekholm was left off as Sweden selected Philip Broberg and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on defense. The choices followed the group that previously played at the 4 Nations Face-Off. At 35, Ekholm understands how small the window can be for international chances. His words showed acceptance more than frustration, even as he admitted how much the moment mattered.
The Swedish defenseman has been consistent in his 15-season NHL career. Drafted in the fourth round by Nashville in 2009, Ekholm developed in Sweden before earning a consistent NHL role. His game relies on positioning and reads, and those traits now anchor Edmonton’s blue line.
This season, Ekholm continues to bring his two-way presence to the Oilers. He has three goals and 14 assists through 41 games while handling tough minutes. His impact is evident through control and structure, and the Oilers rely on him to defend first and move the puck cleanly.
Sweden’s Olympic roster shows both depth and change. The group includes Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, and Rasmus Dahlin, along with younger players like Broberg. Head coach Sam Hallam spoke about flexibility and balance on defense, noting that the group offers a mix of offensive skill and shutdown ability. With NHL players returning to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, competition for spots was tight.
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“There are two ways to go: someone from the existing squad can take his place and his role, and secondly, we replace him from outside,” Hallam said, via NHL.
Ekholm’s international career already includes a World Championship gold medal from 2018. Still, the Olympics carry a different meaning, especially for players later in their careers.
For now, Ekholm stays focused on Edmonton. He recently signed a contract extension that starts in the 2026-27 season and runs through 2028-29. The Milan Olympic game will move on without him, but Ekholm continues to play an important role in the NHL, bringing experience and stability each night.
