Oliver Ekman-Larsson is turning back the clock for the Maple Leafs at 34
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson deserves his flowers for an incredible season thus far, with Craig Berube blown away by his output at both ends.
There was a lot of discussion and debate over whether or not the signing of Oliver Ekman-Larsson was a smart choice for the Maple Leafs. He had injury concerns, wasn't getting any younger, and one return year with Florida sparked hope but was never guaranteed.
However since coming over he's been great with his debut season in Toronto more than solid with 29 points in 77 games but it's 2025-26 where he's decided to give us a vintage OEL performance.
So far in 48 games, he has 31 points; and if he keeps up this pace will no doubt reach or surpass his highest point total since 2018-19 when he was with Arizona.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson turning in Olympian effort in 2025-26
But not only that he's playing exceptional defense and was a crucial part in Toronto's 4-3 comeback win over the Winnipeg Jets on Saturday -- something not lost on his head coach.
Craig Berube was pressed post-game about Ekman-Larsson's play as of late and the head coach was more than pleased with the efforts thus far, seemingly blown away by his output even at 34 years old:
I think he has been good all year. He had a really good game tonight from a points standpoint, but all year, he has been solid - defensively, offensively, and in all of the things we ask him to do.
He is playing with different partners most of the year, and he is playing the left side or the right side.
He has been a solid player - a real good pro. He is playing like a real good pro right now. He gives us a lot every night, in my opinion.
He is playing with different partners most of the year, and he is playing the left side or the right side.
He has been a solid player - a real good pro. He is playing like a real good pro right now. He gives us a lot every night, in my opinion.
Saturday he was a man possessed though. He had three points (1 goal, 2 assists) while also adding a plus-four -- only the second time in his over 1,100 games that he's done that.
It's led to him being named as part of Team Sweden for the 2026 Milan Olympics so if he has a strong tournament there; who knows how much more impactful he'll be after the break.
Doubters were wrong about Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Those who were concerned about Ekman-Larsson being a part of a Maple Leafs team that seemingly gets older by the day need to accept the fact that they bet on the wrong horse.
As much as Ekman-Larsson has struggled at points in his career, this is a player who has been at the bottom of the league but still putting up elite numbers. He can deal with adversity and come out fresh on the other side.
He's proven that his injury issues that plagued him at the end of his time in Arizona and in Vancouver are behind him; he's only missed five games total in his time in Toronto and has been part of the lineup every game this year.
Heck, he even left a game with an injury, toughed it out, and came back to nearly help the Maple Leafs beat the Vegas Golden Knights.
Ekman-Larsson has clearly shown he has the passion, grit, and offensive output that fits perfectly with the Maple Leafs change in identity.
And he deserves all the credit in the world for helping Toronto turn a miserable season into a manageable one.
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
'Nothing is done until it's done': Elliotte Friedman reveals Maple Leafs in the mix for Rasmus Andersson
'Nothing is done until it's done': Elliotte Friedman reveals Maple Leafs in the mix for Rasmus Andersson
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 18|1205 ANSWERS Oliver Ekman-Larsson is turning back the clock for the Maple Leafs at 34 Do you think Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been Toronto's best defenseman this season? | ||
| Yes | 1090 | 90.5 % |
| No | 115 | 9.5 % |
| List of polls | ||