Intriguing trade proposal sees Oliver Ekman-Larsson going to Detroit for a massive haul
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for assets right now, and it just so happens the Detroit Red Wings can give them something for defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been sensational to start the NHL season, as he currently has 23 points in 36 games.
One could make the argument that he has been the best defenseman on the team since Chris Tanev's absence. Without him, the Leafs would be even worse.
Having said that, the Leafs may have to sell at the deadline this year, even though general manager Brad Treliving has been adamant about doing the opposite.
If there is no path to the playoffs, the Leafs could very well end up selling off some of their players in order to gain some assets, whether that be prospects or draft capital.
According to hockey scout Michael Devellano, the Detroit Red Wings are a team that could put together an impressive package for OEL that would be hard to say no to.
Detroit Red Wings package for Oliver Ekman-Larsson
This package includes the likes of Jacob Bernard-Docker, Carter Mazur, and a first-round pick. The logic here is that the Red Wings would get two more years out of OEL at a reasonable price.
That said, it feels very unlikely that the Leafs would ever want to make such a trade, especially when the team is coming off a win and could make a playoff push.
The case against trading OEL
One big issue with the Leafs making this particular trade is that they would be getting back two players who may or may not be any good in a couple of years from now.
Not to mention, the Red Wings are having a good season, and their first-round pick might not be worth very much when the season is all said and done.
When you put this trade together in totality, it really does become clear that the Leafs could do a lot better by just keeping OEL on the roster for the long haul.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 26 | 557 ANSWERS Intriguing trade proposal sees Oliver Ekman-Larsson going to Detroit for a massive haul Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs need to trade Oliver Ekman-Larsson? | ||
| YES | 145 | 26 % |
| NO | 412 | 74 % |
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