Edmonton Oilers Pursue Toronto's Ekman-Larsson as NHL Defense Market Swells
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Edmonton Oilers have expressed legitimate interest in acquiring Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. This development comes amid a broader trend in the National Hockey League where a surplus of available defensemen has created what Friedman describes as a buyer's market, potentially driving down trade prices.
Buyer's Market Emerges in NHL
Friedman detailed the current market conditions on his 32 Thoughts podcast, noting that there are more sellers than buyers in the league right now. Some buyers are reportedly hoping that sellers might panic, creating favorable conditions for teams looking to bolster their rosters through trades. Specifically regarding defensemen, Friedman emphasized, "There's a lot of D out there, a lot... There's a lot of D out there."
Oilers' Interest in Ekman-Larsson
Regarding Edmonton's pursuit of the Toronto defenseman, Friedman stated, "I do think the interest in Ekman-Larsson is real. I do think Edmonton's interest in Ekman-Larsson is real. And I think it's just going to be really interesting to see what happens with him in particular, because I do think they could do that if they wanted to."
Ekman-Larsson, who will turn 35 in July, carries a $3.5 million salary for this season and the next two. While few NHL defensemen maintain top-four roles after age 35, Ekman-Larsson has been performing in Toronto's top four this season, averaging 20:47 of ice time per game and recording 35 points in 59 games, with only five of those points coming on the power play.
Potential Impact on Oilers' Playoff Run
If acquired, Ekman-Larsson could significantly impact Edmonton's playoff aspirations this year. He could potentially form a solid second pairing with Jake Walman, while Darnell Nurse might move to a third pairing alongside the emerging Ty Emberson. This defensive depth could prove crucial, especially if Nurse experiences his typical playoff challenges.
Broader Implications for Oilers' Strategy
The Oilers' focus on acquiring a defenseman as their top trade priority aligns with their championship ambitions. The reported glut in the defenseman market could work to Edmonton's advantage, potentially allowing them to secure a valuable asset without overpaying. It's worth noting that Oilers GM Stan Bowman surprised many last year with his acquisition of Jake Walman from San Jose, suggesting he might have another unexpected move in store.
While proper assessment of Ekman-Larsson's true value would require extensive scouting and video review, his current performance with Toronto—where he's been one of their better players on an average team—makes him an intriguing target for an Edmonton squad focused on winning the Stanley Cup this season.
