However, Oliver Ekman-Larsson<\/a> is truly the Maple Leafs\u2019 best trade chip heading into the deadline and can bring in a sizeable return. Here is why.\u00a0<\/p>\n Contract Extremely Friendly and Comparison<\/p>\n For one, his $3.5 million cap-hit is extremely affordable and team friendly that would instantly attract any suitor in the playoff hunt. Second, he\u2019s under contract beyond this season for two more, that alone makes him even more valuable. Third, while he has a 16-team no trade list, there\u2019s bound to be a couple of playoff contenders that would want to call and pay up for that kind of a contract and value. While he\u2019s a left shot defenseman, he\u2019s versatile in that he can play on his off-side and up and down the lineup.\u00a0<\/p>\n It isn\u2019t ideal to offload that contract and player as he has been extremely productive for the Maple Leafs this season, but they really have no choice in doing so as the team can get a sizeable return. If it were up to me, I\u2019d keep him on the roster but the last few weeks has changed the narrative, for good or bad. If there\u2019s a starting point in terms of what a return could look like, I point to what the Calgary Flames got in return<\/a> for Rasmus Andersson<\/a>\u2013 a first-round pick, a roster player (in this case Zach Whitecloud) and a B-level prospect.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Andersson is younger by five years and giving up a first-round pick makes sense. However, Ekman-Larsson has term beyond this season, which makes giving up a first-round pick reasonable. The Maple Leafs gave up a conditional one for Brandon Carlo<\/a>\u2013 which has backfired\u2013 but Ekman-Larsson continues to prove to be more effective and have upside. He\u2019s been just as productive as he has 34 points and Andersson has 33. They both have 16 primary points at five-on-five, but Ekman-Larsson does have an advantage as his 25 points at 5v5 is 11th\u00a0among defenders and Andersson is 29th\u00a0with 19. If Andersson was worth a first, so should Ekman-Larsson.<\/p>\n Related: Auston Matthews\u2019 Transparency Quieting Maple Leafs Rumors<\/a><\/p>\n If they\u2019re able to land another serviceable player, ideally a defender, they could be inserted into the lineup right away. Will they have the same impact as Ekman-Larsson? Possibly. If the Maple Leafs can get another depth defender in the mold of a Whitecloud or maybe one with the same kind of mobility, that could be helpful. If they can also land a prospect that can be a depth add, that could also be beneficial as they need to bolster for their future.<\/p>\n Impactful for Playoff Run<\/p>\n If there was one positive to this season for the Maple Leafs, it was the production from their defense as Ekman-Larsson is leading the charge. If a playoff contending team is looking for a strong second or third pairing defenseman with offensive upside and production, he would be the best one on the market.<\/p>\n When he\u2019s on the ice, the team has a high danger goals percentage for 60%, which is a fantastic rate for a defenseman. Even looking at his overall impact<\/a>, he can be a difference maker and impact driver when it comes to the offensive side of the game. Ekman-Larsson remains a strong breakout and puck-moving defender and his playmaking remains a real strength to his game. He\u2019s a steady defender but the numbers aren\u2019t on his side this season as everyone on the Maple Leafs are getting hemmed within their own zone. He\u2019s physical, can break up plays and can transition quickly.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ekman-Larsson isn\u2019t elite by any means, but he remains effective and teams would definitely love to add a depth defenseman of his caliber that can be that impactful on both sides of the puck. He already has a Stanley Cup to his resume with the Florida Panthers and can definitely be a strong veteran presence for a long run. That also makes him a valuable asset ahead of the deadline.<\/p>\n Related: Should Brad Treliving Be the One Leading a Maple Leafs Reset?<\/a><\/p>\n While the Maple Leafs aren\u2019t mathematically out the playoff race, it\u2019s not likely given how strong the competition is in their division. They\u2019re not good enough to contend and they need to gain assets and be in sell mode<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n They do have some enticing players that can garner attention<\/a>. However, Ekman-Larsson is the perfect trade chip to do just that and the return could be what they need in order to re-tool their roster.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Statistics from Natural Stat Trick<\/a> and Hockey Stats<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>![\"Oliver](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Oliver-Ekman-Larsson-Maple-Leafs-1200x800.jpg\")
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs (Photo by Mark Blinch\/NHLI via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Charlie](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Charlie-Coyle-Blue-Jackets-1200x800.jpg\")
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Columbus Blue Jackets center Charlie Coyle battle for the puck (Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images)<\/p>\n![\"SUBSCRIBE](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Leafs_Banner-1200x122.jpg\")
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