Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (4 years, $3.5M AAV)
- Thread starter SprDaVE
- Start date
-
Xenforo Cloud will be upgrading us to version 2.3.5 on March 3rd at 12 AM GMT. This version has increased stability and fixes several bugs. We expect downtime for the duration of the update. The admin team will continue to work on existing issues, templates and upgrade all necessary available addons to minimize impact of this new version. Click Here for Updates
rumman
Registered User
- Sep 10, 2008
- 16,536
- 12,967
Brodie’s a perfect example of just how fast a D man can fall off a cliff, I doubt anyone thought he would drop like a rock, I know I didn’t expect it…….
Stephen
Moderator
- Feb 28, 2002
- 83,060
- 61,967
Brodie was good 2.5 out of the 4 years here so depends on which one you’re thinking about.
Stephen
Moderator
- Feb 28, 2002
- 83,060
- 61,967
I don’t know how typical it is actually. A couple of years ago I noticed some funny hiccups in his defensive game and just said “we might need to monitor Brodie for some decline.” And then he went off a cliff.
But it also sounds like he’s been dealing with some serious real life issues. And honestly, when a D man falls off so dramatically, it’s more of a notable storyline than typical for most guys. Most guys gradually sink into obscurity but don’t become completely unplayable over a short period of time.
Guys usually fall off a cliff when they are older and come off major injuries. OEL playing a full season at a high level last year bodes well for us, but we will see how the next few years go. If he can stay healthy he can probably have no problem playing out his contract at a high level. Big if though…. But swapping Brodie out and bringing OEL in should have a massive impact for us. There is an element of addition by subtraction here, both with Brodie and Samsonov out. OEL and McCabe should complement each other very well.
Last edited:
Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
- 6,423
- 6,334
OEL will be very, very good for the Leafs.
Hellcat
Registered User
- Jul 13, 2022
- 3,334
- 3,076
Not saying this is why his play fell off but there was family stuff going on, his wife was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I have no idea how this guy could focus on playing a professional sport in front of 12k people every other night. I know my mind would be somewhere else.
Evilhomer
Registered User
- Oct 10, 2019
- 6,423
- 6,334
It's the entire reason he excelled in Florida. So long as they properly limit his minutes as the 5th defenseman (~16 minutes) and a power play specialist, he will be excellent for the Leafs. He struggled in Vancouver because they gave him 20+ minutes per game.
ULF_55
Moderator
Ianturnedbull
Registered User
- Jun 11, 2022
- 6,430
- 5,938
Skullz
Registered User
- Jul 5, 2013
- 798
- 1,170
Has been absolutely dynamite so far. Hope it continues.
Can't stress enough how much of a stabilizing presence he has been along with Tanev.
I would bet a lot that Liljegren would flourish playing with him, but it seems that they're not even gonna give him the chance, which is very unfortunate.
I would bet a lot that Liljegren would flourish playing with him, but it seems that they're not even gonna give him the chance, which is very unfortunate.
After reading this thread, I feel like a lot of people didn't know who OEL was.
He was better than Rielly in his prime. He was overpaid in the canucks market and didn’t do well on offense for them but they liked his defense and willingness to get involved.
As a panther he was a top pair for half the season and was the no 1 ppqb in the finals.
I know he’s not a no 1 D man now , but hopefully a good 2nd pair/pp2.
He looks great. Probably need to manage his minutes but considering all the 8 million salaries now 3.5 is fine.
Lilly as a scratch is unforgivable. 3 million on the bench and you couldn’t find enough for Roy?
TheBeastCoast
Registered User
Pretty sure Roy didn't want to come to Canada. Signing free agents is not a one way street.
It’s hard to say for sure. But mirtle claims
We were right in on him and got out bid
I feel like your sugar coating these comments pretty heavily.
"Top pair for half the season" - 5th in TOI per game, 1.5 minutes less than 4th
"No1 PPQB in the finals" - true, but only because Montour turned into a pumpkin and then small sample but the PP was awful with him in that spot.
I think he's been fine thru 2 games, looks worth his 3.5. He's been solid enough defensively and getting himself in good positions offensively. The offensive execution has been shaky at best though. We'll see if the offense comes along or that's just what he is now.
DraftSchmaft
Registered User
- Jul 29, 2021
- 2,350
- 2,936
Our old fart failed experiments gave us a skewed perspective on the other old farts in the league.
OEL, Tanev and Pacioretty have been welcome additions thus far. Glad to have them aboard for this seasons run.
OEL, Tanev and Pacioretty have been welcome additions thus far. Glad to have them aboard for this seasons run.
He was paired with forsling and looked fantastic.
I’m not expecting him to be a top pair. But as. 4 for 3.5 he looks good.
He was absolutely a top 10-15 D in the league for his prime. Then had some injuries van but still looked good defensively. Heck didn’t he fight simmonds?
CincoHolio
Registered User
Knew it wouldn't be long before the "come around" posts began on OEL.
Always had faith he'd be a positive addition. Dude is instantly our 3rd best D. He was a captain of a NHL-like team for years as a young player. Had a couple of injury plagued years on a questionable Canucks team that probably weren't the norm with this guy. Really excited for this version of the team, especially seeing what Berube can do with the D.
Always had faith he'd be a positive addition. Dude is instantly our 3rd best D. He was a captain of a NHL-like team for years as a young player. Had a couple of injury plagued years on a questionable Canucks team that probably weren't the norm with this guy. Really excited for this version of the team, especially seeing what Berube can do with the D.
Only two games but he definitely looks like a 2nd pairing guy for us. Looks good alongside McCabe. What I didn’t expect was how strong he is on his skates. Guys try to hit him and he barely moves. Should provide that complementary offense we weren’t getting from our D last year.
Its not your fault
Registered User
- Nov 24, 2016
- 1,929
- 543
Are they or is one? And now we know you don't know what you talk about and if did. Accurate is not one of your traits.
I think he was overvalued which made the fall looks worse.
