Leafs linked once again to Nikita Zadorov, also to a new Stanley Cup winner
The Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly have some interest in Stanley Cup Champion defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and continued interest in Nikita Zadorov.
The Leafs and GM Brad Treliving kept fans on their toes the entire draft with some surprising trades and selections, including acquiring the rights to Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars at the end of the draft.
The expectation is that Tanev will sign a deal with the Leafs, filling one of the holes on the blueline before free agency. When free agency opens on Monday, the Leafs will be pursuing Nikita Zadorov, another favourite of Brad Treliving, as well as a newly minted Stanley Cup Champion defenseman in Oliver Ekman-Larsson, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
"I think they are going to have competition from Boston for Nikita Zadorov, they're also in on Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but I think there are a couple of teams who are looking at that too," said Friedman on a very brief draft edition of '32 Thoughts'.
The 32-year-old Swede signed a 1-year deal with the Florida Panthers that saw him earn $2.25M for the season. He was an effective third pairing defenseman for the Panthers throughout their Cup run and is a very good skater and puck mover that can provide some secondary offense from the blueline.
With just over 24 hours until the market opens, it will be a very tense Sunday for fans, players and teams alike.
Source: HockeyDB
Oliver Ekman-Larsson Player Profile
POLL |
JUIN 30 | 682 ANSWERS Leafs linked once again to Nikita Zadorov, also to a new Stanley Cup winner Will the Leafs sign Nikita Zadorov on Monday? |
Yes | 333 | 48.8 % |
No | 301 | 44.1 % |
Probably, but I hope they don't | 48 | 7 % |
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