""I always came into the season wanting to play good for the Leafs and for my teammates here and give me a chance to be on that team," Ekman-Larsson said to reporters ahead of the morning skate on Tuesday. "So I'm lying if I'm saying I haven't really thought about it, to be honest with you. But very proud of myself of being named and getting a chance. With that being said, my teammates and the organization have been able to help me out.""
""Throughout a career, you go through tough times. And it's like life, you go through tough times in life, too," he said. "But I think that's the moments that defines you and you realize how many good people around you that you have. That's why I'm standing here today, because I have the support around me of my family and everybody. It's some highs and lows, but that's life.""
Oliver Ekman-Larsson has recorded 25 points (seven goals and 18 assists) in 41 games this season for the Maple Leafs and has emerged as arguably their best defender during the 2025-26 campaign. He learned on December 21 that he had made the Olympic team and reacted with excitement and pride, crediting teammates and the organization for their support. He was left off Sweden's roster at the 4 Nations Face-Off last February, making the Olympic nod extra meaningful. He is not far removed from a contract buyout by the Vancouver Canucks and emphasized perseverance through career highs and lows. This will be his second Olympic appearance after winning silver in 2014.
Read at TheLeafsNation
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