Originally, multiple insiders were reporting that the Maple Leafs were eying a 3-year deal with Ekman-Larsson at $4M per season. However, when the deal was announced, Ekman-Larsson landed in Toronto with one extra year of term on a 4-year deal, which lowered the cap hit to just $3.5M per season, which is much more palatable.
The most important factor in this deal for the Maple Leafs is that they finally have a defenseman who can put the puck in the net. Ekman-Larsson has produced double-digits in goals 7 different times in his career, including a 23-goal season back in 2014-15. He also produced 21 goals just one year later, back during his time in Arizona.
