Oliver Ekman-Larsson made his case for Leafs MVP with strong 2025-26

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ regular season was a disappointment from beginning to end. The club missed the playoffs and finished with a record of 32-36-14. One of the lone bright spots during the 2025-26 campaign was the play of defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Prior to the NHL trade deadline, Ekman-Larsson’s name swirled in rumours as the Maple Leafs floated the idea of moving the 34-year-old while his value was at an all-time high. Ekman-Larsson was ultimately kept past the deadline and remains under contract with the team at $3.5 million for the next two years.

“Obviously a relief. I was happy and saying ‘thank God’” Ekman-Larsson said when asked about how he felt following the trade deadline. “From day one, when that talk came out, I think I made it pretty clear what I wanted to do and that I still believe in this team and wanted to be here. It’s a tough day, it’s a weird day.”

How the year went

Ekman-Larsson was the Maple Leafs’ best defenceman from start to finish this year. He appeared in 78 games, recording eight goals and 31 assists, leading among all Maple Leafs defencemen. Ekman-Larsson’s 39 points represented a turning back of the clock to his earlier years. The point total represents the highest Ekman-Larsson had achieved since the 2018-19 season, when he recorded 44 as a member of the Arizona Coyotes.

For Ekman-Larsson’s efforts, he was rewarded by being named to Team Sweden Men’s Olympic roster for the second time in his career. In Milano Cortina, Ekman-Larsson appeared in five games with his native country, posting a minus-two rating before falling in the quarterfinals to the eventual gold medal winners, the United States of America.

“I always came into the season wanting to play good for the Leafs and for my teammates here and give me a chance to be on that team,” Ekman-Larsson told the media before hosting the Florida Panthers on January 6. “So, I’m lying if I’m saying I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest with you. But very proud of myself being named and getting a chance. With that being said, my teammates and the organization have been able to help me out.”

Ekman-Larsson’s impact shone beyond just the number, highlighted by his nomination as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ nominee for the Bill Masterson Trophy. The trophy is awarded to perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Statistical profile

Category	Production	NHL rank
Expected goals for percentage	46.90%	471st
Goals for percentage	50.35%	293rd
Scoring chances for percentage	47.88%	424th
Corsi	46.80%	495th
Expected goals for per 60	2.52	406th
Expected goals against per 60	2.85	469th

All stats on 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick, among all players with 400 minutes or greater.

Amidst what was one of the most difficult seasons in recent memory for the Maple Leafs, Ekman-Larsson did his part to try to elevate the group in both ends of the rink. No matter how you assess the defensive group, whether it is statistics, eye-test or advanced metrics, Ekman-Larsson tops the group as the team’s all-around best defenceman from last year.

Ekman-Larsson’s goal differential was actually a plus on a team that allowed 46 more goals than they scored, finishing the year with 71 goals for and 70 against. Comparing the Maple Leafs’ other defencemen that appeared in at least 60 games, Ekman-Larsson had the best goal differential. Morgan Rielly was a -11, Jake McCabe was a minus-8, and Simon Benoit finished with a -25.

By the time next season opens, Ekman-Larsson will be 35 years old, raising some concerns that a decline from the play showcased this year could be in the cards. With a defensive group that will comprise mostly players 30 and above, the Maple Leafs need Ekman-Larsson to continue defying Father Time as one of the key cogs on their backend.

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