The Oilers are making a strong push for veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but there’s a catch – he’ll need to agree to come to Edmonton first.
The 34-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs blueliner has been lighting it up this season, putting up 35 points in 60 games. That includes 8 goals and 27 assists, making him an attractive target for teams looking to beef up their defense before the March 6 trade deadline.
But it’s not just about making a deal with Toronto. Ekman-Larsson has a no-trade clause in his contract, giving him the power to veto any move to Edmonton.
“I think the other guy they’ve looked at is Oliver Ekman-Larsson from Toronto,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported. “He’s a lefty, but he can play the right side. I think, though, Ekman-Larsson has control over a trade to Edmonton, so they would have to convince him to waive it.”
The Swedish defenseman is in the second year of a pretty sweet deal – a four-year, $14.4 million contract he signed with the Leafs back in 2024.
Toronto’s asking price is reportedly steep, but that might not even be the biggest hurdle. The real challenge could be convincing Ekman-Larsson that Edmonton is where he wants to be.
The Oilers aren’t the only team that’s been keeping tabs on him. But with their push for a playoff spot, they’re definitely one of the most motivated buyers.
Time is ticking. With just days until the trade deadline, we’ll soon find out if Edmonton can pull off this deal – and more importantly, if they can convince Ekman-Larsson to come along for the ride.
