Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch is getting significant help on defense. A big trade for Oliver Ekman-Larsson is now official.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are trading their experienced defenseman out West to make more room in their budget. In exchange, they will receive a lot of future assets and depth for their team.
Edmonton is offering a first-round draft pick and a promising right-handed defender named Beau Akey. Tough forward Andrew Mangiapane is also going to Toronto to balance the costs.
This big trade includes at least four players going to the Leafs. Edmonton will get Ekman-Larsson and another NHL player to make the team fit correctly.
Ekman-Larsson will quickly add offensive power to the Oilers’ defense. He has quietly scored 34 points in 57 games this season in Toronto.
Toronto really needs to change the vibe in their locker room. Head coach Craig Berube wants a stronger forecheck, and Mangiapane fits perfectly for that kind of play.
Mangiapane has not been able to score well in Edmonton. He has a poor -21 rating with just 12 points in 49 games this year.
Big trade completed
The Edmonton #Oilers have offered a 1st round pick, Beau Akey (RD prospect) as part of a package the would include Andrew Mangiapane to the Toronto Maple #Leafs for whats believed to be Oliver Ekman-Larsson. This could be 4+ pieces to Toronto for 2 NHL players back (FW + D).
— Brandon (@TheCity0fChamps) February 28, 2026
Sometimes, a new environment can really help struggling players. Mangiapane has a $3.6 million salary that Toronto can easily handle by getting rid of Ekman-Larsson’s similar $3.5 million contract.
Losing someone like Akey is tough for the Edmonton management. The 21-year-old prospect has 10 points and an impressive +13 rating in 33 games with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors.
However, chances to win championships can disappear quickly in the NHL. The Oilers are willing to give up valuable future players to try and win a Stanley Cup now.
Ekman-Larsson controls how the game flows by making clear and quick passes from his area. He usually plays more than 21 minutes each game on the defensive side and hardly ever makes big errors.
He is a key player on the second defensive line and helps the team move the puck from defense to offense smoothly. Edmonton really needs this kind of reliable play to support their top forward players.
Toronto becomes a lot younger and receives an important first-round draft pick for the next draft. They also get a top-notch defensive player to boost their weakening group of future players.
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