Emotional Oliver Ekman-Larsson comments on nearly being traded by the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who was not traded despite being embroiled in trade rumours, commented on his near-departure.
The trade deadline was yesterday afternoon, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are further sinking to the bottom of the standings, made a series of moves.
They traded Scott Laughton, who they picked up last year from the Philadelphia Flyers for a major package in return, to the Los Angeles Kings. They also traded Bobby McMann, who had a career-best 19 goals scored so far this year, to the Seattle Kraken.
But one player who was rumoured to potentially be traded but remains with the team for now is defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who is relieved that he wasn't moved and said that he still believes in the current group of players.
I still believe in this team and [I think] that we can do something special. Like I said since Day 1, when the talk came out, I was very clear in what I wanted to do. I still like the pieces that we have and I still believe in this team.....I was just happy to still be here, that's what I wanted and that's what my family wanted. I was trying not to think about it too much, but at the same time it was pretty tough. Like I said, I still have a lot of belief in this organization and I love being here. - Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Known as OEL, he has 35 points (8G, 27A) in 61 games played this year.
The Maple Leafs Traded Away Two Players At The Trade Deadline
The Maple Leafs did move on from both Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton.
The trade of Laughton has Maple Leafs fans wondering why they gave up so much to acquire him a year ago at the 2025 trade deadline, as GM Brad Treliving traded prospect Nikita Grebenkin, a conditional first round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, a fourth round picking the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, and sixth round picking the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
It could be a long and hard road for the Maple Leafs before they get back to the playoffs.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
'There was a lot of noise': Elliotte Friedman directly addresses Auston Matthews trade rumours
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| POLL | ||
MARS 7|190 ANSWERS Emotional Oliver Ekman-Larsson comments on nearly being traded by the Maple Leafs Will Oliver Ekman-Larsson play his entire contract in a Maple Leafs sweater? | ||
| Yes | 55 | 28.9 % |
| No | 135 | 71.1 % |
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