Oilers linked to Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, report says

According to Frank Seravalli, the Toronto Maple Leafs may have a clear trade suitor in the Edmonton Oilers as recent reporting suggests that Ekman-Larsson is someone on the Oilers radar.

The Oilers have maintained an interest in Ekman-Larsson, according to Seravalli, and see him as a potential target for the team's blueline.

Seravalli names Ekman-Larsson, along with St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Faulk, as two names believed to be looked at to help Edmonton on the right-hand size.

Both Ekman-Larsson and Faulk would add offensive skill at RHD and give the Oilers offense from the blueline beyond Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm.

Ekman-Larsson, 34, has eight goals, 27 assists, & 35 points in 59 games this season for the Leafs, leading the team in points by a defenseman.

Although linked with an out for Toronto after losing their last two games since the Olympics break, further reporting suggests that Oliver Ekman-Larsson's goal is to remain a Leaf.

According to Darren Dreger, there is no urgency from Ekman-Larsson to leave the Leafs for another club, also noting that he has a partial no-move clause.

Ekman-Larsson can sign off on a deal, but Dreger's indication is that Ekman-Larsson's goal isn't to do so, and that he wants to stay in Toronto beyond this season.

Besides Ekman-Larsson, he isn't the only Leaf being linked to Edmonton in trade rumors. Also being reported as looked at by the Oilers is forward Bobby McMann as a target.

Seravalli had said that the Oilers focus has shifted from a winger to a defenseman, but the 29-year-old Alberta native still holds value for his $1.35M contract that has attracted contending teams across the league.

It's Toronto, however, who is keeping quiet on their trade plans, and not making clear if they're going to sell despite their struggles this season, and players like Ekman-Larsson and McMann may be long-term pieces for Toronto, even if this season is considered a lost cause.

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