NHL Trade Rumours: Oilers reportedly inquiring about Maple Leafs’ Roy, Ekman-Larsson
Prior to the Olympic roster freeze, the Edmonton Oilers reportedly expressed interest in Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann. McMann is considered a popular trade candidate and the Maple Leafs are reportedly asking for a first-round pick in return for the 29-year-old winger. And it appears the Oilers may have further interest in the Maple Leafs’ roster, ahead of the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline.
The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta recently joined Jeff Marek on The Sheet to reveal that the Oilers were in discussions with the Maple Leafs about a few different veterans.
“There was some word out of Edmonton that leading up to this freeze that they have been having discussions with the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Pagnotta said.
“I don’t know the specifics of where they’re going, I’m going to speculate a little bit — and it wasn’t Bobby McMann. I know there was a lot of intention and speculation about Bobby McMann, but going into the week, I know they haven’t spoken about McMann. But it sounds like maybe it’s Nic Roy, maybe it’s Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Those are two (players) I would not be shocked if they’ve poked on. But I was told by a couple of people that the Oilers and Leafs had conversations leading up to the freeze, and that may be something to keep an eye on out of the break.”
McMann, for his part, is trying to block out the noise that comes with being on the trade block.
“I like it here with Toronto. I wouldn’t necessarily want to go anywhere. I want to run with these guys. I want to make a push here,” McMann said to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “I can’t really control what happens outside of that. I’ll just have to deal with it then.”
Roy was acquired by the Maple Leafs in the Mitch Marner trade, with the goal of slotting in as the team’s third-line centre. The 29-year-old has recorded five goals and 20 points in 54 games this season. Ekman-Larsson has functioned as the Maple Leafs’ best defenceman this year and will be playing for Sweden during the Olympics. The 34-year-old has recorded eight goals and 34 points in 57 games for the Maple Leafs this season. Ekman-Larsson is under contract through the 2027-28 season at a $3.75 million cap hit, and may be more valuable to a genuine Stanley Cup contender than a Maple Leafs team in flux, seemingly looking towards a retool.
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