Photo credit: Sportsnet
Veteran defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson appears poised for an increased role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to some recent comments from Craig Berube.
The Maple Leafs recently secured a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, and have appeared far more in control during games under Craig Berube than they were over the last few seasons under Sheldon Keefe. One standout player since training camp has been Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He logged a team-high 25:02 minutes of ice time on Saturday and was featured on the first power-play unit on the weekend, replacing long-time Leaf Morgan Rielly.
So far this season, Ekman-Larsson has averaged 2:57 of power-play time per game, indicating he may be in line for an even larger role than fans had anticipated. As noted by David Alter on X, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube commented on Ekman-Larsson’s capabilities:
“Well, he’s run power plays for a long time in Arizona and stuff. Shoots the puck from the point. He establishes that shot. Pretty fluid at walking the line and seeing the ice.”
Berube’s transition from Rielly to OEL on the top PP unit, as well as his commentary on the 33-year-old, certainly indicates that he could be in line for some added responsibility in the coming games.
While Ekman-Larsson may be far from his career-high of 23 goals achieved with the Arizona Coyotes a number of years ago, he remains a solid defender with high offensive potential. During his quest for his first Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, he recorded 32 points in 80 games, which is certainly strong production for a veteran blueliner past his prime.
If Ekman-Larsson continues on the team’s first power-play unit, he will have an abundance of talent to work with, including Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares — assuming Berube doesn’t dismantle the top group and balance out the two PP units.
Given that the Maple Leafs’ power play struggled with inconsistency last season, the addition of the veteran Swede could be crucial in establishing a more reliable top unit moving forward, providing more of what Craig Berube is looking for in a top PP quarterback.
News
Too dissatisfied with the false information, (Kare) a disabled fan spoke up to defend Chris Brown!
In a new video, the fan, named Karel, clarifies false claims circulating online that the ‘Under the Influence’ hitmaker refunded her Meet & Greet ticket and even gave her an extra $10K. AceShowbiz – A disabled fan of Chris Brown who recently went…
Riley Gaines suddenly showed her ATTITUDE towards British author JK Rowling after she reaffirmed her stance on transgender people.
Riley Gaines backs J.K. Rowling on voicing her opinion against transgender issues Gaines and Rowling hold identical opinions on the notion of transgender athletes competing against women in sports. While Gaines has fervently opposed the idea of trans athletes in…
JK Rowling was reported to the police by former ‘Big Brother’ contestant for being “afraid of transgender people”; Rowling reacts to the shocking statement
JK RowlingGetty A simmering, years-long row between J.K. Rowling and broadcaster India Willoughby has spilled over into a police complaint against the Harry Potter author over alleged transphobia. Willoughby, who has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in the UK and co-hosted shows including Loose Women, said she…
WasWas Chris Brown’s reaction at his recent concert really too much? What do you think?
The ‘Look at Me Now’ singer shares his simple reason for not taking off his shirt onstage anymore during his ongoing ‘The 11:11 Tour’ after learning of the fans’ demand. AceShowbiz – Chris Brown has been entertaining his fans on his ongoing “The…
Emma Watson reveals memorable memories with “Harry Potter”
Famous actress Emma Watson shares about her supposedly unpleasant memories during the filming of the movie “Harry Potter”. The success of the popular film series “Harry Potter” made the participating actors quickly become Hollywood stars. In it, Emma Watson takes…
The tense battle still hasn’t cooled down between hosts India Willoughby and JK Rowling, accusing the Harry Potter author of discriminating against transgender people.
Getty Images Broadcaster India Willoughby has claimed that she reported “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling to the police over alleged transphobia. In an interview with Byline TV on Wednesday night, Willoughby — a former “Celebrity Big Brother” contestant and “Loose Women” co-host — claimed that…
End of content
No more pages to load