Unexpected development for Oliver Ekman-Larsson after leaving last game early
Photo credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
In a stunning turnaround after a serious looking injury on Thursday, Toronto's Oliver Ekman-Larsson took the ice on Saturday as he looks to have escaped the worst.
Thursday's 3-2 OT loss to the San Jose Sharks was a double whammy for the Maple Leafs as they not only lost the game, but also defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who left the game after colliding with the Sharks' Adam Gaudette in the third period.
He needed help off the ice and went straight to the locker room as both fans and the team feared the worst.
Ekman-Larsson back on the ice only 48 hours removed from scary injury
However it was reported Friday that Ekman-Larsson was actually feeling much better than we would expect, and he was looking to work through whatever pain he was feeling.
On Saturday, he stuck to his word. Ahead of the team's morning skate, Ekman-Larsson was seen on the ice skating in a regular jersey, and seemed to be moving without any real issues.
He wasn't doing sprints or showcasing any fast twitch motion, however he looked steady and it seems whatever was ailing him wasn't as bad as we thought, thankfully.
Why Ekman-Larsson's return matters so much to Toronto
Toronto can't afford to lose Ekman-Larsson, not only because they are down two of their everyday defenseman in Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo, but also because he has been one of the team's best offensive weapons especially on the backend.
In 30 games, Ekman-Larsson has 20 points (4 goals, 16 assists), a plus-seven, 40 hits, 26 blocks and 24 PIM in 20:42 TOI. He's been remarkably durable, missing only seven games over the past two seasons and played in every game for the Maple Leafs so far this year.
But he's also been arguably Toronto's anchor when they can't get things going, as it always seems like Ekman-Larsson finds the back of the net or is the catalyst starting the offense when it's stagnated.
Having him back on Saturday against an Edmonton team that is going through it themselves right now is a huge boost towards their chances of competing, especially knowing they need to protect Dennis Hildeby from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl as much as possible.
So while it's not confirmed that Ekman-Larsson will be skating on Saturday night, his return to the ice prior to the game is a positive sign which is something Toronto really needs right now.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 13 | 707 ANSWERS Unexpected development for Oliver Ekman-Larsson after leaving last game early Do you think Oliver Ekman-Larsson will return against Edmonton? | ||
| Yes | 558 | 78.9 % |
| No | 149 | 21.1 % |
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