The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a four-year, $14 million contract during the 2024 offseason. The veteran defenseman arrived after winning the Stanley Cup with Florida. However, questions surrounded whether he could maintain that level given his struggles in Vancouver just two seasons prior.

Ekman-Larsson has silenced any doubts with exceptional play through the first two months. The Swedish blueliner’s resurgence has caught the attention of more than just Maple Leafs fans. Team Sweden’s Olympic coach is taking notice as roster decisions loom.

Swedish Olympic Coach Sam Hallam Praises Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s Career ‘Reinvention’

Ekman-Larsson has, in the words of Swedish Olympic coach Sam Hallam, “reinvented himself.” The defenseman’s career appeared in limbo after a miserable 2022-23 season with Vancouver. He recorded just 22 points in 54 games while finishing minus-24 and battling an ankle sprain.

Then he flipped the script entirely. After helping Florida capture the Stanley Cup in 2023-24, Ekman-Larsson signed with Toronto and became a key contributor for coach Craig Berube.

The 34-year-old is tied with Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson as the highest-scoring Swedish-born defenseman in the NHL this season with 20 points. His turnaround has been based on two basic principles.

“First off, I’m healthy,” Ekman-Larsson said. “I know that sounds simple, but the fact is, it’s the truth. It was tough in Vancouver not being 100 percent.” The veteran emphasized how confidence returned once his body cooperated.

“Secondly, it’s confidence. When things aren’t going your way, and injuries won’t let you play to the level you want, you start second-guessing things. When you get it back, you can start playing more freely and naturally,” he explained.

That freedom has made him a serious candidate for Team Sweden at the 2026 Olympics in Milano Cortina this February. Hallam recently spent weeks scouting NHL games in North America. Ekman-Larsson’s performance immediately caught his attention and continues to impress the Olympic coach.

“I agree he’s been one of Toronto’s best defensemen so far, if not the best,” Hallam told NHL.com. “We’re looking closely and following him.” The coach praised how Ekman-Larsson navigated his career resurrection.

“The way he’s kind of maneuvered his career from what happened in Vancouver, ending up in Florida, winning the Cup, and then bringing that level of game to Toronto, we’re following him closely. And it’s great to see,” Hallam stated.

The Olympic coach added with a smile, “He’s making my job difficult.” Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin were named to Team Sweden in June. Erik Karlsson is expected to join them when the roster is officially submitted by December 31.

However, Hallam confirmed several blue line spots remain available, with Ekman-Larsson competing for one. “That’s really nice to hear,” Ekman-Larsson said when informed of Hallam’s comments. “I mean, I’m not really thinking about that yet.”

He continued, “It’s about the Toronto Maple Leafs right now and getting our game in order. That’s the focus. But, again, it’s nice to know that your play is being appreciated.” If Ekman-Larsson maintains his solid play, representing Sweden in February seems increasingly likely.