The Toronto Maple Leafs have expressed serious interest in Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson
It’s not a secret the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to upgrade their defense at the trade deadline. They’re going to be aggressive and it would be very surprising to see them come away empty-handed. People say it’s best to shoot for the stars because even if you fall short, you still might get to the moon. The Leafs seem to be applying this logic to their pursuit of Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
OEL would be a huge addition to the Maple Leafs. He’s been linked to them for a while. According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, their interest is quite real.
"It’s believed the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams that have shown more than a passing interest in Ekman-Larsson."
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It remains to be seen if the Coyotes have him on the market. At this point, it appears they’re simply fielding calls. The Maple Leafs would be a team motivated to pay a significant price for him. Much like Keith Yandle when he got traded to the New York Rangers, Ekman-Larsson will be able to potentially influences two postseasons as opposed to one.
The Price
However, the price could be a bit prohibitive for the Leafs. Garioch reports the Coyotes are looking for two high-end roster players and a first-round pick. For the Leafs, this likely means either Mitch Marner or William Nylander, a top prospect like Kasperi Kapanen, and a first-round pick. That’s a bit of a hefty price, as it would force the Leafs to deal a very talented forward.
It’s not likely there will be that many suitors for OEL if that’s the asking price for him. Especially since Ekman-Larsson is having a down year. His 0.44 points per game rate is his lowest since the 2011-12 season. Also, Ekman-Larsson has an NHL worst -40 plus-minus rating.
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OEL has a $5.5 million cap hit through the 2018-19 season. He is also due $7 million in salary next season. While the Coyotes could lower their price a bit as the deadline approaches, they hold all the leverage here. And until Ekman-Larsson’s future is more clear, don’t expect these trade rumors to go away.
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