An assistant captain, Ekholm recorded 33 points (8g-25a) in 68 games for the Predators in 2019-20, his third consecutive season with at least 30 points. He reached the eight-goal mark for the fourth time in his career and was two goals shy of tying his career high of 10, set in 2017-18. Ekholm was tied for second among Predators defensemen in goals (8) and third in points (33), assists (25) and average TOI (23:22). He also blocked 100 shots, reaching that total for the sixth consecutive season.
Ekholm continues to skate with fellow blueliner Dante Fabbro, and the two will likely combine to form Nashville's second pair on the backend once more this season.
By the Numbers:
- Ekholm has spent his entire 538-game NHL career with the Predators, tallying 196 points (45g-151a). He sits second among franchise defensemen in plus-minus (+71), fifth in goals (45), sixth in points (196) and assists (151).
- He set multiple career highs during the 2018-19 campaign, including points (44), assists (36) and plus-minus (+27), en route to a 10th-place finish in Norris Trophy voting.
- Ekholm won the Swedish Hockey League's Defenseman of the Year award in 2012 and was league Rookie of the Year in 2011.
Fun Fact:
- Ekholm is a two-time medalist at the World Championship with Sweden, winning gold in 2018 and earning bronze in 2014.
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