Ekman-Larsson is expected to return from an upper-body injury for the playoffs. He has 4 goals, 25 assists, and a plus-14 rating in his first season with Toronto, bringing valuable experience from last season's Cup run with Florida.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has stepped up defensively for the Maple Leafs, contributing to both physicality and shot-blocking.

Ekman-Larsson's injury leaves the Maple Leafs with a depleted blue line for their matchup against the Canadiens, forcing them to rely on an already stretched roster of five defencemen.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has stepped up in Jake McCabe's absence, demonstrating physicality and defensive capabilities.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson's career has transitioned from being a cornerstone for the Coyotes to a strategic player for the Maple Leafs. His experience reflects the growing trend of trade protections in NHL contracts.