Ekholm is a top pairing defenceman, don’t get it twisted.
Someone competent should have been able to find a 2nd pairing LD with ease. Hell even Chiarelli managed that much.
Not getting anything twisted. But we were a team in a playoff position with an already acting top pair defenseman in Nurse. We weren't a team bent over a barrel, desperately needing Ekholm. We were the team willing to get them out of that investment to an older player, which is why we were able to get him for the favorable price. If he wasn't available, there were other directions we could've gone.
Look at the options available the summer of Nurse's extension. Then take into account that we're the Edmonton Oilers and not the Vegas Golden Knights or the Florida Panthers. It didn't look good when WE treat our core players like disposable assets.
Even the Sekera signing had a downside that crippled this team for several seasons because he was an already aging veteran player who was signed several years ahead of the team's competitive window.
Darnell Nurse's extension was a 'necessary evil'. He was a player that fit the team's age group. He filled an immediate positional need. And he logged some important minutes in years where the team progressed.