Oliver Ekman-Larsson Opens Up About Injury Fears, Berube Calls Out Leafs Leaders: Leafs Morning Take

Before Tuesday night’s game against Chicago, the Leafs will honor their years of playing by playing their vote as part of “Holy Mackinaw Night.” Bowen, who has played more than 3,800 games for the Maple Leafs, will retire at the end of this season.

That’s what we talked about, Joseph Woll, and Anthony Stolarz in the opening block of Tuesday’s edition of Leafs Morning Take. After missing four games due to a lower-body injury, Woll is making his return. Also, Craig Berube gave a little update on Anthony Stolarz, and it’s not a good one. Berube revealed two things: 1. It’s not a concussion, and 2) Stolarz needs to see a specialist because he’s not making progress. This development is such a shame. Stolarz was incredible last season. I hate to see it.

Anyway, we spent a lot of time breaking down this matchup with Chicago. The Hawks will be without Connor Bedard, who suffered an upper-body injury against Detroit last weekend. Simply put, it’s time for the big boys – especially Auston Matthews – to rise to the occasion. They desperately need a signature Papi performance. Through 26 outings, he looked like a shell of himself. He lacked the pop and explosiveness that once made him one of the most feared players in the NHL. For what it’s worth, Matthews starts the evening with Matthew Knies and William Nylander. We’ll see how it goes. It feels like a sneaky big game for the Leafs, who are already in a precarious position in the Atlantic Division. Everyone around them is collecting points, so they have to keep doing the same thing. They are 1-1-2 on this five-game homestand, with the capper coming against the Hawks.

Then we played my 1-on-1 from Monday’s practice with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who has probably been Toronto’s best blueliner through 31 games so far. The 34-year-old took advantage of his injury fears and bounced back from them to face Connor McDavid. He also talked about his great play to start the year and whether this is the most complete version of himself. We also participated in the Olympic Games. He would love to represent Sweden in Milan in February. OEL also influenced fashion sense, Berube calling on the team’s leaders and Christmas traditions. He was very nice. Thanks to the Leafs, Nick Caroli and Colin Outridge, among others, for making this interview possible.

There’s plenty coming your way in Wednesday’s edition of Leafs Morning Take. First, Zack Phillips will replace Jay Rosehill as co-host. We’ll recap Leafs/Hawks, as well as look ahead to Toronto’s visit to Washington. Speaking of which, 2018 Stanley Cup Champion TJ Oshie is expected to stop by the show.