Mattias Ekholm watch continues, and the Edmonton Oilers defenceman was a full participant at Monday’s practice.

While he skated with the extras during practice, his being out there for a full practice was a great sign.

Ekholm has been out of the lineup for nearly two full months, last having played a full game on March 26th against the Dallas Stars. He remained out of the lineup for two weeks before drawing back in for an April 11th game against the San Jose Sharks, but he took just three shifts before leaving the game, stumbling and looking out of sorts.

Word came out shortly thereafter that Ekholm might be out for the remainder of the season, but a report just before the playoffs indicated he had been responding well to treatment. Last week before their series ended against Vegas, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch said Ekholm was a possibility for the Western Conference Final, saying he was now considered day-to-day.

And on Sunday, he took part in an optional skate, looking good doing so.

Ekholm, meanwhile, said he didn’t think he’d be feeling as good as he does as soon as now.

“I feel good, I didn’t think I would be in this position this quick, so I’m really happy about that,” he said Monday. “Our trainers have done a tremendous job with me — healing has gone better than I thought.

“But still, just trying to take it day by day. Today was first time on the ice with the team full practice. I thought that went pretty well, now it’s a matter of how do I feel tomorrow. I can’t rule anything out, rule anything in. I’m trying to be on a day-to-day basis and I’m just happy I’ve come this far along.”

Ekholm didn’t divulge what has ailed him, but confirmed there was some thought he would miss the remainder of the season.

“Yeah, that was the start,” he said. “Obviously tough, I guess, diagnosis to get at the time.

“I’m 35 now and still healing, and I’m happy to be here now. I couldn’t have stood here today without the trainers, without everyone that’s helped me along the way, so I’m super happy and super grateful for that.”

Knoblauch said he was happy with what he’s seen from Ekholm in recent days.

“I watched him yesterday, watched him today, and I think it’s going well,” he said. “I think his mobility is pretty good, considering how much time he’s had off and the type of injury that he had, so I think we’re off to a good start.”

Zach Laing is Oilersnation’s associate editor, senior columnist, and The Nation Network’s news director. He also makes up one-half of the DFO DFS Report. He can be followed on Twitter, currently known as X, at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach.laing@bettercollective.com.