Injury could derail Olympic dreams for Leafs defenseman

"The Toronto Maple Leafs' latest injury update has fans feeling uneasy as Oliver Ekman-Larsson was injured within the first few minutes of Wednesday night's overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Ekman-Larsson suffered a lower-body injury, and concern has escalated beyond the Leafs as Ekman-Larsson is set to represent Team Sweden at the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan. Ekman-Larsson is projected to miss some time, according to Chris Johnson of The Athletic. Team Sweden will have to begin searching for a replacement depending on the severity of the injury."

"Team Sweden is dealing with injuries at the worst time possible. William Nylander is another player who will remain out without a timeline, as well as Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, Gabe Landeskog, and Joel Eriksson Ek. They will have tough decisions to make if these players are not ready in time. For the Maple Leafs sake, they are hoping Nylander and OEL are ready to play and could return to the lineup as soon as possible."

"Ekman-Larsson has had an unexpected stellar season with the Maple Leafs. He currently sits fifth in team scoring, producing eight goals and 23 assists while honing a +8. The Swede will leave a massive hole in the Maple Leafs lineup, leaving Brad Treliving facing the question if it is time to acquire a player to fill the gaps as the Maple Leafs are in the most important time of their season, sitting just one point out of the final wild card spot."

Oliver Ekman-Larsson suffered a lower-body injury early in overtime against the Detroit Red Wings and is projected to miss some time. Team Sweden may need a replacement for the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan depending on the injury's severity. Several Swedish players, including William Nylander, Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, Gabe Landeskog, and Joel Eriksson Ek, face uncertain timelines, complicating roster decisions. Ekman-Larsson ranks fifth on the Maple Leafs with eight goals and 23 assists and a +8 rating. His absence creates a significant defensive hole and could force GM Brad Treliving to pursue a defenceman or rely on internal lineup adjustments as the team fights for a playoff spot.

Read at Editor In Leaf