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.
Ekman-Larsson is coming fresh off of a Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers. In 80 regular season games with the Panthers last season, OEL produced 9 goals and 32 points.
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.
Source for stats: NHL.comOliver Ekman-Larsson stats and bio
POLL | ||
1 JUILLET | 780 ANSWERS Ekman-Larsson surprises, signing with the Leafs at a lower AAV than expected How many goals will Oliver Ekman-Larsson score for the Maple Leafs next season? | ||
5 or less | 102 | 13.1 % |
6-9 | 279 | 35.8 % |
10-12 | 262 | 33.6 % |
More than 12 | 137 | 17.6 % |
List of polls |