"Ekman-Larsson's resurgence isn't luck. He arrived in Toronto healthy, motivated, and finally utilized in situations that match his strengths. With injuries to Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo, OEL was thrust into the top four minutes earlier than expected, and he has responded with the best hockey he has played in years. He has already produced 20+ points, extended his career-best point streak, and logged heavy minutes against top competition."
"But the resurgence goes beyond offence. Ekman-Larsson's gap control, stick work, and transition play have been essential stabilizers on a Leafs blue line that has battled inconsistency and injuries. Craig Berube demands structure, discipline, and clean puck movement from his defencemen, and Ekman-Larsson has embraced that blueprint completely. He doesn't try to do too much; he supports the play instead of forcing it, and he keeps the game predictable for his partner."
Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed a low-risk four-year deal with Toronto after a buyout and a depth role. Expectations were modest, but he has revived his career and become the team's most reliable defenceman. He arrived healthy, motivated, and was stepped into top-four minutes due to injuries to Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo. He has produced over 20 points, extended his career-best point streak, and logged heavy minutes against top competition. His gap control, stick work, and transition play have stabilized a blue line that faced inconsistency and injuries. He is lighter, faster, more confident, and fits Craig Berube's structured system by supporting play, killing penalties, and delivering calm, consistent first passes under pressure. He serves as a defensive counterbalance to Morgan Rielly's offensive focus.
Read at Editor In Leaf
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]