Maple Leafs notebook: Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Tinus Luc Koblar shine at IIHF World Championship
Welcome to an offseason edition of Maple Leafs notebook, where we examine current events in the hockey world. As the Maple Leafs continue their offseason, several players are thriving at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, while the organization continues their search for the next head coach.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Tinus Luc Koblar continue to shine at the IIHF World Championship
Koblar is beginning to make a name for himself at this year’s tournament. Toronto’s 2025 second-round pick is still considered several. years away from the NHL, but he’s holding up well against elite competition. Koblar and his countrymen almost shocked the hockey world, by forcing Canada to overtime during Thursday’s game. Canada won 6-5 in overtime, but Koblar scored what would’ve stood as the game-winner, prior to Ryan O’Reilly’s last-second game-tying goal, which forced the extra frame.
TLK took over top-line duties for Norway and had a goal and an assist. The goal was a bit of an accidental one as he got more in the way of the shot than anything, but it shows you that he does a good job of driving to the net and taking up space. Koblar is a big-bodied, two-way forward who moves well for his size, and he has a decent shot, too
It continues to be an eventful tournament for the Maple Leafs, where Morgan Rielly and John Tavares have carved out featured roles for Canada, while Joseph Woll has struggled mightily for the United States. We may be getting ahead of ourselves, but Ekman-Larsson and Koblar could be pushing for award contention if they continue at this rate.