Oliver Ekman-Larsson made a significant move in his career by opting to leave the Florida Panthers after their Stanley Cup victory and instead signing a multi-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency. Despite interest from the Panthers to retain him, Ekman-Larsson spoke with Craig Morgan of GoPhnx.com to elaborate on his decision to join Toronto.
Reflecting on the unusual situation of leaving a championship-winning team he deeply respected, Ekman-Larsson emphasized the importance of following his instincts and family considerations when Toronto expressed interest. “It’s so weird. You just won the Cup with a team that you have been battling with for a year and love so much and have so much respect for — the whole organization with what they have done for me personally — so it wasn’t an easy decision,” Ekman-Larsson explained. “I am a guy that always tries to go with my gut feeling and when Toronto showed interest I got that feeling that this is what I wanted to do and this is what we wanted to do as a family.”
Furthermore, Ekman-Larsson highlighted Toronto’s storied history and the allure of playing in their renowned arena as factors that contributed to his decision. “I’ve always liked coming in there as an away team, playing in that building. It’s always special,” he noted. “Obviously, there’s a lot of history in the organization and I feel like they have a really good team that has a chance to do something special as well. I think it’s a good fit.”
The defenseman finalized his move by signing a four-year, $14 million contract with Toronto on July 1, aiming to bolster their defensive capabilities and contribute to their quest for their first Stanley Cup since 1967.
Ekman-Larsson’s familiarity with Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and executive Shane Doan, stemming from their time together with the Arizona Coyotes, also played a pivotal role in his decision. Ekman-Larsson expressed deep admiration for both individuals, highlighting Treliving’s dedication to his team and players, and Doan’s profound impact on him personally during his early years in Arizona. “I don’t want to sound like I’m sucking up to him but Brad is one unbelievable person,” Ekman-Larsson remarked. “And then the other guy, he’s okay, too. He meant so much to me with what he did for me when I was a kid in Arizona. Playing with a guy like that — I wish everybody had the chance to be around a guy like Doaner.”
In the broader context of Toronto’s offseason moves, which included signing Chris Tanev alongside Ekman-Larsson to bolster their defense, Treliving expressed satisfaction with the upgrades. Both Ekman-Larsson and Tanev bring extensive NHL experience and veteran leadership, qualities that Treliving believes will strengthen Toronto’s defensive lineup significantly.
Overall, Ekman-Larsson’s decision to join the Maple Leafs signifies a new chapter in his career, driven by personal conviction and a desire to contribute to a storied franchise’s championship ambitions. His move underscores Toronto’s commitment to fortifying their roster with seasoned talent as they aim for success in the upcoming NHL seasons.
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