Ekman-Larsson: Stay or Go?

0:00You're listening to NHL News today. Subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. Toronto Maple Leafs fans and analysts are debating trades as the team sits in a slump. Some say sell off every valuable player, including defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larson. He's 34 years old, with two years left on a $3.5 million contract. But others argue, he's too good to let go, just because of his age. Ekman-Larson has been one of the steadiest players on the blue line this season. He moves the puck well, plays big minutes, and shows strong defensive awareness. His veteran presence brings calm and intensity, especially when the team gives up goals. Analysts, pushing for a full sell-off, wants a clear cap space and rebuild. Fans are frustrated by injuries, inconsistencies, and playoff woes after years of high hopes. The Leafs lack depth on defense already, making moves tricky without taking on bad contracts. Keeping him makes sense because Toronto isn't tanking. They have stars like Austin Matthews and William Nylander in their primes.

1:03Trading Ekman-Larson would weaken the roster now and hurt future chances without much return. Instead, the smart play is to retool around core talent, hold on to affordable performers like him, add pieces where needed, and push forward. Dumping a top defender would only deepen the hole. The daily news now is made possible with support from our sponsor. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com