Fresh off a Stanley Cup Championship/appearance, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has a new contract. The 32-year old defencemen has signed a four year contract with the Maple Leafs.
Ekman-Larsson Started His Career In The Desert
Ekman-Larsson spent the first 11 years of his career with the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes. In just his second season, Ekman-Larsson played in all 82 regular season games and helped the Coyotes win the Pacific Division. Furthermore, the Coyotes would advance to the Western Conference before falling to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions, the Los Angeles Kings.
In the 2014-15 season, Ekman-Larsson was an All-Star for the first time. He scored 23 goals to lead all NHL defenceman.
Ekman-Larsson Considered Arizona His Second Home
With the news of the Coyotes relocation to Utah, it can easy to forget the good days Coyotes have had. In an interview last season with David Dwork before a game against the Coyotes, Ekman-Larsson spoke fondly of his time in the desert.
“It was some tough years and it was some good years, but overall I think the friendships that I made, and not just hockey people, I think outside of hockey too, that’s what I’m proud of. I still have those people in my life and so it’s good to come back and see those guys. I tried to be a role model in the community and at the rink, so that’s just something that I’m really proud of.”
Ekman-Larsson refers to the desert as his second home
.”I played with a lot of good players over the years here, too. It’s been my second home for a long time and it’s nice to come back.”
Ekman-Larsson Headed North Of The Border in 2021
In July 2021, the Coyotes traded Ekman-Larsson to the Vancouever Canucks.
After two rough seasons in Vancouever, the Canucks bought-out the remaining four years of Ekman-Larsson’s contract.
Sunshine And Stanley
On the first day of free agency in 2023, the Florida Panthers signed Ekman-Larsson to a one-year contract.
Ekman-Larsson helped the Panthers return to the Stanley Cup. By defeating the Edmonton Oilers, the Panthers would win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. For Ekman-Larsson, he lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time in his NHL career.
The Maple Leafs Get Experience And Durability
Ekman-Larsson will bring a great deal to the Maple Leafs. His experience and leadership will help guide the team.
Ekman-Larsson also brings durability to the lineup. With the exception of shortened seasons, Ekman-Larsson has played at least 79 games in every full season he played.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
