Insider: Maple Leafs’ Trade Return From Oilers for Oliver Ekman-Larsson

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had their name floating around the rumour mill quite a bit this season. And with that comes plenty of trade speculation surrounding their players. The latest one involves Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who has been connected to the Edmonton Oilers.

Ekman-Larsson, 34, is in the middle of a bounce-back season. After struggling to find his way following a buyout from the Vancouver Canucks, he’s responded in a big way. Through 57 games, he has eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points. At his age, and considering how things looked not too long ago, that’s impressive. Because of that, he’s become one of the bigger names on the market.

So, what could a deal for him actually look like?

Potential Return for Ekman-Larsson

Recently, on a podcast, NHL insider David Pagnotta revealed what the Maple Leafs could be asking for if they decide to move Ekman-Larsson. Pagnotta has become somewhat of a fan favourite among Leafs Nation lately, especially after shutting down the idea that it would just be Andrew Mangiapane and a pick.

Instead, he said it would start with Isaac Howard. Here’s what Pagnotta had to say:

“The Leafs aren’t trading him for Mangiapane and a pick. So, sorry, that’s not going to happen. You’re probably looking at something like an Isaac Howard in a deal to get OEL out of Toronto. It’s going to be a high price. Because it’s a combination of his cap hit, the term remaining, and the fact that he’s really good—or at least has been really good this season. If it gets to that point, expect it to be a larger type of deal. You’re not just pawning off Mangiapane to Toronto because the kids are from there. I don’t see that aligning.”

Based on that, you’d have to think the Oilers might hesitate. But if they were willing to meet the price, this is what the framework of a deal could look like.

Ekman-Larsson Mock Trade

Maple Leafs receive: Isaac Howard, Andrew Mangiapane, 2026 second-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick (BOS)
Oilers receive: Oliver Ekman-Larsson (50 percent retained)

As Pagnotta mentioned, it’s not going to be just Mangiapane and a pick. If this deal is going to get done, Mangiapane likely has to be included to help make the money work. The real centrepiece, though, would be Howard. The draft pick is the sweetener, and the fifth-rounder would be tied to Toronto retaining 50 percent of Ekman-Larsson’s cap hit.

With that retention, his cap hit drops to $1.75 million, which makes it much easier for Edmonton to fit him in and still look at other moves. It’s also important to remember that Ekman-Larsson has another year left on his deal. He’s not just a rental, which naturally drives the asking price up.

Some fans will look at this and say it’s an overpay because Howard is involved. But if you take him out, the conversation flips and people say the Oilers fleeced the Maple Leafs. The reality is, Toronto doesn’t have to move Ekman-Larsson. With term left on his contract, they can afford to hold.

If Edmonton really wants him, they’re going to have to pay. And according to Pagnotta, that price starts with Howard.

Next: Insider: Maple Leafs’ Trade Return From Oilers for Bobby McMann