The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson with a four-year contract valued at $3.5 million annually, as reported by Elliotte Friedman.
Ekman-Larsson experienced a career revival with the Florida Panthers, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory. He began showcasing glimpses of his underrated skills seen during his tenure with the Arizona Coyotes.
Ekman-Larsson’s career trajectory shifted when he signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the Panthers after being bought out by the Vancouver Canucks, seemingly revitalizing his career from what appeared to be a downturn. Despite not playing top-four minutes like in Arizona and Vancouver, he thrived as a bottom-pairing defenseman, averaging over 18 minutes per game and tallying his highest point total (32) since 2018-19.
OEL to Toronto 4 x $3.5M
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2024
Crucially, he also improved defensively, addressing previous concerns that had led to negative plus-minus ratings, particularly evident during his final season in Vancouver where he finished at minus-24. His reliable performance contributed significantly to the Panthers’ successful season and playoff run.
In Toronto, Ekman-Larsson is expected to play a comparable role, logging around 18-19 minutes per game while providing steady defensive contributions. As a veteran and Stanley Cup winner, he brings invaluable championship experience to the Maple Leafs, alongside the physical capabilities to bolster their defensive lineup.
If Ekman-Larsson can replicate his production of around 30 points per season while maintaining his defensive reliability, the Maple Leafs consider this signing a significant success. Recognizing their need for defensive improvement, Toronto views this acquisition as a positive step forward.
