Oliver Ekman-Larsson is completely putting an end to trade talks while coach Craig Berube is working to keep the Toronto Maple Leafs focused on their games.
The Edmonton Oilers are really trying hard to get the experienced defenseman before the trade deadline, but they aren’t making any progress.
Ekman-Larsson has a no-trade clause that covers ten teams, and he is reportedly using it to prevent a trade to Alberta. He enjoys playing in Toronto.
With a $3.5 million cap hit, the Swedish player is the kind of defenseman the Oilers need to make a strong playoff run. The management in Edmonton is really looking for stability on the defensive end.
This season, he has contributed 22 points in 60 games. More importantly, he plays tough minutes and helps keep the second power play unit organized.
However, you can’t just make someone leave. Ekman-Larsson signed a four-year contract with Toronto for a reason, and he doesn’t want to give up his security.
Oilers receive unfortunate news about their top trade target.
Edmonton’s general manager, Stan Bowman, is constantly on the phone. Improving the defense is his biggest goal right now.
The Oilers really want to win the Stanley Cup, but their defensive setup gets exposed during away games. They need to find a veteran player who can make precise passes out of their defensive zone.
Toronto needs to clear some cap space to bring in a top-six forward. Trading Ekman-Larsson would give the team a lot of financial freedom to reshape their lineup.
The cold response from the Toronto defender leaves Edmonton looking for alternatives. Time is running out this season.
Throughout his NHL career, Ekman-Larsson has seen both great and tough times while on the trade block. He knows exactly how to deal with all the outside chatter.
He is aiming to win a championship in the top hockey city in the world. He is not eager to head out west to play with Connor McDavid.
The Maple Leafs may need to explore trading other players if they want to create more space in their budget. The 34-year-old player is staying firm in his decision.
Edmonton will need to change their approach fast and seek someone who really wants to join the team. The options for trading are getting less and less by the minute.
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