"It was hard, especially for me. I wanted to stay and be here. I love it here. That made it even harder. It was a relief. I'm obviously happy. Since day one, when the talk [started], it has been pretty clear what I wanted to do. I still believe in this team. I wanted to be here."
"I still believe in this team and still believe we can do something special. It hasn't gone the way we wanted it to this year. I still like the pieces we have. I still believe in it. We're not done yet. That is the mindset going into it right now."
"He really stabilizes things back there for us with his two-way play and his minutes, among the other things he's provided all year long. He's been very good for us."
The Toronto Maple Leafs face Tampa Bay Lightning in a post-deadline game as the team plays out the remainder of the season. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who remained with Toronto after the trade deadline despite uncertainty, expressed relief and commitment to the organization. He stated his belief in the team's potential despite the difficult season and emphasized accountability for current performance. Coach Craig Berube praised Ekman-Larsson's stabilizing defensive presence and two-way play. Auston Matthews emphasized the team's focus on competing in each remaining game, maintaining effort and unity, and honoring the commitment to fans and teammates through the final 19 games.
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