Maple Leafs Made The Right Call in Keeping Ekman-Larsson

A Toronto Maple Leafs fire sale at the trade deadline that included Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and Nicolas Roy recouped some much-needed draft picks for the franchise. Despite the latter two making immediate impacts with their new teams, management’s decision to hold onto Oliver Ekman-Larsson could pay dividends for Toronto moving forward—physically, contractually, and culturally.

Although the latter two players are making an immediate impact with their new teams, management’s decision to hang on to defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will pay dividends for the Maple Leafs’ future, both physically and contractually.

The Swedish Olympian leads all Leafs defensemen with 35 points (8 goals, 27 assists), with eighteen games still left in the season. A mark that he hasn’t hit since his 2018-19 season with the then-Arizona Coyotes, the veteran is proving that he still has plenty left in the tank.

Fans might point to Chris Tanev’s injuries or Brandon Carlo’s inconsistency as reasons for Ekman-Larsson’s larger role. Regardless, he’s performed well on both sides of the puck. He’s been a rare bright spot in a down year for the Maple Leafs.

OEL Has an Ideal Contract

Ekman-Larsson commands an AAV of just $3.5M, as part of an affordable four-year, $14M contract. That keeps him with the Maple Leafs until the end of the 2027-28 season. This provides prime value for Toronto moving forward, especially after freeing up cap space from moves made at the deadline.

Sportsnet analyst Kevin Bieksa chimed in on the conversation, praising the non-trade choice by Toronto:

“He’s, in my opinion, the best $3.5M defenseman in the world. Who’s a better defenseman, at that cap hit, than OEL? So to have him for two more years for the Leafs, you should be ecstatic.”

OEL Is a Strong Cultural Fit

Despite being shopped around and nearly dealt, Ekman-Larsson has repeatedly stated his desire to stay with the Maple Leafs. The latest report from TSN after the post-trade deadline noted his “belief in this organization.” He “loves being here.”

This type of commitment is admirable and valuable, based on Toronto’s performance this year. In the midst of potential cultural problems within the team, his work ethic on the ice and locker-room personality set an example.

Future Implications for the Maple Leafs and OEL

Ekman-Larsson’s veteran qualities become even more valuable because the Maple Leafs expect to bring in more young talent in the coming years. He has an appealing contract and has had a solid overall season. That means management could move him fairly easily if the price is right in the offseason.

Fans may argue that management should have sold high, especially given the inconsistency in his 16-year career. Given Ekman-Larsson’s current play, Brad Treliving likely made the right call at the deadline.

Next: Insider Says Auston Matthews’ Future with the Maple Leafs is “50-50”