The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a precarious position as the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6th, with their playoff hopes dwindling and questions swirling around the team's direction. Amidst the uncertainty, the spotlight has turned to veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a consistent bright spot for the Leafs this season. While Ekman-Larsson has been a valuable contributor, rumors suggest that the Maple Leafs' asking price for him in a potential trade might be higher than what other teams are willing to pay.
Ekman-Larsson has been a key player for the Maple Leafs, especially given some injury troubles on the back end. The 34-year-old defenseman has tallied 32 points in 54 games, leading the team's defense and ranking fifth in overall team scoring. With two years remaining on his contract after this season at a $3.5 million AAV, he presents a manageable cap hit for potential suitors. His trade value on the open market is approximately 7.23, ranking him 47th among defensemen and 192nd overall.
Despite his solid performance, the Maple Leafs' current standing – last place in the Atlantic Division with only a 4.5% chance of making the playoffs – suggests a need for change. Some analysts believe that trading Ekman-Larsson would be a wise move to recoup valuable assets, such as a first-round pick, and bolster the team's future. The rationale is that Ekman-Larsson's value is unlikely to increase, considering his age, and the Leafs could capitalize on his current performance to acquire pieces that better align with a potential retooling strategy.
However, the Maple Leafs' potential asking price for Ekman-Larsson seems to be a sticking point. While his on-ice contributions are undeniable, his age and contract length might deter teams from offering a significant return. Some reports suggest that the Leafs are seeking a package that includes a first-round pick or a high-end prospect, which may be considered an overvaluation by other teams.
The Maple Leafs' depleted prospect pool and lack of first-round picks in the next two years further complicate matters. This scarcity of assets limits their ability to acquire a quality player in return, potentially hindering any trade involving Ekman-Larsson. General Manager Brad Treliving's hesitation to commit to available options, such as Dougie Hamilton, also adds uncertainty to the situation.
Ultimately, whether the Maple Leafs can find a trade partner willing to meet their asking price for Oliver Ekman-Larsson remains to be seen. If the Leafs view next season as a potential "write-off," trading Ekman-Larsson makes sense to acquire assets for the future. However, if they believe they can contend in the near future, losing a key defenseman like Ekman-Larsson would create a significant void to fill. Other Maple Leafs players who could be traded include Brandon Carlo, Simon Benoit, Troy Stecher and Anthony Stolarz.
