Mattias Ekholm is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on May 24, 1990, in Borlänge, Sweden, and began playing hockey at a young age.
Ekholm started his professional career in Sweden, playing for the Mora IK team in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He played for Mora IK from 2008 to 2011, where he developed his skills as a defenseman. In 2011, he was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Ekholm made his NHL debut in the 2011-2012 season, playing in 18 games for the Predators. He spent most of the season playing for the Milwaukee Admirals, the Predators' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. In the following season, Ekholm played in 32 games for the Predators, scoring his first NHL goal on March 21, 2013, against the Calgary Flames.
Over the next few seasons, Ekholm established himself as a key player for the Predators. He became known for his strong defensive play and his ability to move the puck up the ice. He also contributed offensively, scoring a career-high 10 goals in the 2017-2018 season.
Ekholm has been a consistent performer for the Predators, playing in over 500 games for the team. He has also represented Sweden in international competition, winning a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Throughout his career, Ekholm has been recognized for his contributions to the game. He was named the Predators' Best Defenseman in the 2018-2019 season and was a finalist for the NHL's Norris Trophy, which is awarded to the league's top defenseman, in the 2019-2020 season.
In addition to his on-ice success, Ekholm has also been involved in charitable work. He has supported organizations such as the Nashville Predators Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Overall, Mattias Ekholm has had a successful career in the NHL, establishing himself as a reliable defenseman and contributing to the success of the Nashville Predators. He has also represented Sweden on the international stage and has been recognized for his contributions to the game.
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