Habs eye OEL: Montreal targets Leafs' cup-winning defenseman
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a potential surprise buyer for Oliver Ekman-Larsson in the rival Montreal Canadiens.
According to a report from David Pagnotta of 'The Fourth Period' on HFTV, Ekman-Larsson is a player that is gaining traction on the trade market, including with the Montreal Canadiens.
Pagnotta said that Montreal is among a number of teams that have looked at Ekman-Larsson, including fellow division rivals such as the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, & Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as the Utah Mammoth.
Ekman-Larsson was one of the three players for the Leafs who sat out Wednesday's match against the New Jersey Devils along with Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann.
The 34-year-old leads Leafs defenseman with 35 points in 61 games this season, and is on the second year of a four year contract at $3.5M annually.
How does Oliver Ekman-Larsson fit for Montreal?
Oliver Ekman-Larsson would add to the Canadiens blueline that already has options on it's right side with Noah Dobson and Kaiden Guhle.
Ekman-Larsson has the versatility to also play on the left side of the defense, but could take a role behind Dobson and ahead of Guhle on Montreal's second pairing.
Guhle has been limited to just 20 games due to injury, with the 24-year-old having just five points on the season, making OEL an upgrade for this season.
The Canadiens sit fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 33-18-9 record and 75 points, in the first wild card position but just two points behind Boston in the second spot.
A top four of Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson, along with Mike Matheson and Ekman-Larsson, would make for one of the East's strongest top-four groups.
Toronto's asking price has reportedly been a first round pick and a prospect. RHD David Reinbacher would be a sensible return as a prospect that is both with upside and close to NHL caliber, but has struggled to make an impact as a pro, needing a potential change of scenery.
Trading Ekman-Larsson to a divisional rival is something picking up traction, but that could be what keeps him to Toronto if those are the options at hand.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 5|541 ANSWERS Habs eye OEL: Montreal targets Leafs' cup-winning defenseman Should the Leafs trade Ekman-Larsson to the Habs if they get a good enough return? | ||
| Yes | 372 | 68.8 % |
| No | 169 | 31.2 % |
| List of polls | ||