Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a potential surprise buyer for Oliver Ekman-Larsson in the rival Montreal Canadiens.
According to a report from David Pagnotta of ‘The Fourth Period’ on HFTV, Ekman-Larsson is a player that is gaining traction on the trade market, including with the Montreal Canadiens.
Pagnotta said that Montreal is among a number of teams that have looked at Ekman-Larsson, including fellow division rivals such as the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, & Tampa Bay Lightning, as well as the Utah Mammoth.
The 34-year-old leads Leafs defenseman with 35 points in 61 games this season, and is on the second year of a four year contract at $3.5M annually.
How does Oliver Ekman-Larsson fit for Montreal?
Oliver Ekman-Larsson would add to the Canadiens blueline that already has options on it’s right side with Noah Dobson and Kaiden Guhle.
Guhle has been limited to just 20 games due to injury, with the 24-year-old having just five points on the season, making OEL an upgrade for this season.
The Canadiens sit fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 33-18-9 record and 75 points, in the first wild card position but just two points behind Boston in the second spot.
A top four of Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson, along with Mike Matheson and Ekman-Larsson, would make for one of the East’s strongest top-four groups.
Toronto’s asking price has reportedly been a first round pick and a prospect. RHD David Reinbacher would be a sensible return as a prospect that is both with upside and close to NHL caliber, but has struggled to make an impact as a pro, needing a potential change of scenery.
Trading Ekman-Larsson to a divisional rival is something picking up traction, but that could be what keeps him to Toronto if those are the options at hand.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
POLL
1 HOUR AGO|52 ANSWERS
Habs eye OEL: Montreal targets Leafs’ cup-winning defenseman
Should the Leafs trade Ekman-Larsson to the Habs if they get a good enough return?