It's now or never for Oliver Ekman-Larsson and the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs and their general manager Brad Treliving have some difficult decisions to make ahead of the NHL trade deadline in March.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson has easily been one of the best defensemen on the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, especially with 33 points in 55 games.
His abilities are still fully intact, which is very impressive when you consider how the defenseman is currently getting up there in age.
With that in mind, the Maple Leafs are at a crossroads. They are either going to be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, and there has been some debate around what they should do.
Most feel as though the team would be better suited as sellers, and if that is the case, then there are numerous players who could be sold off.
What is Oliver Ekman-Larsson worth at the trade deadline
One of those players is none other than Oliver Ekman-Larsson. He has some big value right now, especially at his salary.
However, as James Mirtle and Chris Johnston point out, at his age, there is still a lot that needs to be figured out here. In fact, they feel as though it is now or never for the Leafs.
If the team wants to trade OEL, they will have to do so in the middle of this season, as his trade value will never be higher than what it is right now.
It is extremely difficult to dispute this right now. While the defenseman is playing amazing hockey, he is getting old, and his value is decreasing.
However, this season, he's playing great, and it offers the Maple Leafs the ability to sell high and keep things trucking for the long haul.
Whether it be a roster player or some draft capital, we know that general manager Brad Treliving is going to want serious bang for his buck.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 1|451 ANSWERS It's now or never for Oliver Ekman-Larsson and the Toronto Maple Leafs Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade Oliver Ekman-Larsson? | ||
| YES | 159 | 35.3 % |
| NO | 292 | 64.7 % |
| List of polls | ||