NHL trade deadline alert brewing around former Vancouver Canucks defenseman
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A former Vancouver Canucks defenseman could be on the move ahead of the trade deadline next month as reports suggest the Toronto Maple Leafs might be sellers.
One of those teams is the Toronto Maple Leafs, as some reports have indicated that General Manager Brad Treliving might be looking to sell in the lead up to the trade deadline, with the club sitting five points back of the Boston Bruins for the second and final wild card spot in the Eastern Conference heading into the Olympic break.
Former Vancouver Canucks defenseman could be on the move before trade deadline
In a recent article for The Fourth Period, NHL insider David Pagnotta mentions that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson could be a potential trade chip for the club over the next month.
“If the Toronto Maple Leafs decide to start listening, veteran defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will generate a ton of interest.” Pagnotta said.
The Karlskrona, Sweden is enjoying a bit of a resurgence this season as in 57 games, he’s recorded 34 points (eight goals, 26 assists), the most he’s had since the 2018-19 campaign when he was a member of the Arizona Coyotes.
Ekman-Larsson’s strong play this season has earned him a spot on Sweden’s roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy where he’ll be reunited with his former Vancouver Canucks teammate, Elias Pettersson.
With one more year remaining on his current deal and an extension kicking in ahead of the 2027-28 campaign, Ekman-Larsson wouldn’t be a rental piece and could be an intriguing option for contending teams looking for some depth on the blue line for a run towards the Stanley Cup over the next few seasons.
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NHL trade deadline alert brewing around former Vancouver Canucks defenseman
Will the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Oliver Ekman-Larsson before the deadline?