EX-PANTHERS OLIVER EKMAN-LARSSON TAKES A DIG AT STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS WITH HIS REASONS FOR SIGNING WITH MAPLE LEAFS

Toronto Maple Leafs' recent acquisition, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, commented on why he chose to sign Toronto instead of returning to the Florida Panthers. Ekman-Larsson's comments offered high praise for the Maple Leafs while taking a dig at his former club.

Here's a look at what Ekman-Larsson had to say about his reasons for signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs:

"It's hard to find better talented players than what we have in that room, so I'm super excited to do whatever I can to help them out."

While the comments offer high praise for a team that boasts players such as Rocket Richard winner Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner, Ekman-Larsson's words suggest the Maple Leafs are better than the Panthers.

Ekman-Larsson was just one of the several players to leave the Panthers following their historic Stanley Cup championship run this past season. Of course, the Panthers remain favorites to defend their championship. However, the significant loss of key players like Ekman-Larsson negatively impacts Florida's chances of a repeat.

In the meantime, Ekman-Larsson looks to play a key role in helping the Leafs capture its first championship since 1967. The 32-year-old will be eager to prove he made the right choice, joining Matthews and company in Toronto.

Ekman-Larsson prepared to join Maple Leafs

Ekman-Larsson is prepared to do whatever he can to help his new club. During his first media availability, the newly acquired blue line had this to say about joining the Leafs:

"Knowing that I had a good year and that Toronto was interested. I mean, I wanna play until I am super old and they carry me off the ice."

The comments, as captured by Sportsnet, underscore Ekman-Larsson's attitude toward playing hockey. He added:

"I feel a lot better than what I did when I was 25, to be honest with you, body-wise."

The comments bode well for Ekman-Larsson, as he projects to be on the Leafs' second pair with fellow Swede Timothy Liljegren, according to Daily Faceoff.

Ultimately, Ekman-Larsson doesn't mind what role he plays. He's only interested in helping the club. Ekman-Larsson concluded:

"If it's power play or PK or five-on-five, it doesn't really change. I just want to be the best version of myself and I feel like I can be that in Toronto with a lot of good players around me."

The Maple Leafs will be looking to get the best version of Ekman-Larsson as the team looks to get over the proverbial hump in the playoffs.

2024-07-05T01:44:49Z dg43tfdfdgfd