Maple Leafs made the right choice to keep Ekman-Larsson

A Toronto Maple Leafs fire sale at the trade deadline that fell under that Bobby McMann, Scott LaughtonAnd Nicholas Roy has recouped some much-needed draft picks for the franchise. Despite the latter two having an immediate impact on their new teams, management’s decision to retain Oliver Ekman-Larsson could pay dividends for Toronto’s progress – physically, contractually and culturally.

While the latter two players are making an immediate impact with their new teams, management’s decision to retain defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will pay off for the future of the Maple Leafs, both physically and contractually.

The Swedish Olympian leads all Leafs defensemen with 35 points (8 goals, 27 assists) with eighteen games remaining in the season. A milestone he hasn’t reached since his 2018-19 season with the then-Arizona Coyotes, the veteran is proving he still has plenty left in the tank.

Fans can point to Chris Tanev’s injuries or Brandon Carlo’s inconsistency as reasons for Ekman-Larsson’s expanded role. Regardless, he has performed well on both sides of the puck. He was a rare bright spot in a down year for the Maple Leafs.

OEL has an ideal contract

Ekman-Larsson boasts an AAV of just $3.5 million as part of an affordable four-year, $14 million contract. That will keep him with the Maple Leafs until the end of the 2027-2028 season. This will provide great value for Toronto going forward, especially after freeing up space for moves made at the deadline.

Sportsnet analyst Kevin Bieksa joined the conversation: in which he praised Toronto’s no-trade choice:

“He is, in my opinion, the best $3.5 million defenseman in the world. Who’s a better defenseman for that goal than OEL? So to have him with the Leafs for two more years, you’d have to be ecstatic.”

OEL is a strong cultural match

Despite being looked around and almost being dealt with, Ekman-Larsson has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the Maple Leafs. The latest report from TSN noted his “belief in this organization” after the post-trade deadline. He “loves being here.”

This kind of effort is admirable and valuable considering Toronto’s performance this year. Amid potential cultural issues within the team, his work ethic on the ice and his personality in the locker room were exemplary.

Future implications for the Maple Leafs and OEL

Ekman-Larsson’s veteran qualities become even more valuable as the Maple Leafs expect to bring in even more young talent in the coming years. He has an attractive contract and has had a solid season overall. That means management can move him quite easily if the offseason price is right.

Fans can argue that management should have sold high, especially given the inconsistency in his 16-year career. Considering Ekman-Larsson’s current play, Brad Treliving probably made the right choice at the deadline.

Next: Insider says Auston Matthews’ future with the Maple Leafs is “50-50.”