On a Toronto Maple Leafs blue line that has been stretched thin by injuries and inconsistency, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been one of the few bright spots by providing stability and, as it turns out, Olympic-calibre play.
Ekman-Larsson's contributions with the Leafs this season have not only put him on Sweden's radar but also given him advance notice that he would make their Olympic roster.
The 34-year-old confirmed Tuesday that he has known since the end of the club’s three-game road trip just before Christmas that he would be back at the Olympics.
"It was hard knowing and not being able to talk about it," Ekman-Larsson told reporters. "I was obviously super happy and called my family and told them."
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Ekman-Larsson has represented Sweden multiple times on the international stage, but did not receive a call for the 4 Nations Face-Off, which was a tough experience for him.
However, he realized that despite not making the roster last season, there was still a chance to prove himself worthy of another shot at making the team.
"You're always disappointed and want to be on that team and help Team Sweden out," Ekman-Larsson explained. "I also know that there are a lot of good players around the league and a lot of good Swedish players. I obviously wanted to come into this season and prove that I can be on that team and be an effective player."
The upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will mark the NHL’s return to Olympic competition for the first time since 2014. Ekman-Larsson was a part of Sweden's roster during those Olympics, when they lost to Canada in the gold-medal game.
Since then, Ekman-Larsson has experienced highs and lows, including getting his contract bought out by the Vancouver Canucks.
Ekman-Larsson couldn't help but think about how the Olympic nod carries added weight, given what he has been through.
“Throughout a career, you go through tough times,” he said. “But I think those are the moments that define you.”
The last few seasons have seen the veteran turn his career around, culminating in a Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers in 2023. He felt fortunate that being a part of a championship team gave him a sense of belonging again.
In his second season with the Leafs, he leads the team in goals among defencemen with seven, second among blue-liners in points with 25, one back of Morgan Rielly and third in average ice time, playing 20:42 a night.
Ekman-Larsson credits the Leafs for putting him in a position to showcase himself.
“My teammates and the organization have been helping me out unbelievably,” he said. “They put me in a spot where I could play my game.”
Despite it being 12 years since his last Olympic appearance, Ekman-Larsson still knows what to expect and will look back on what he remembers.
"I was there in 2014, a long time ago, right? I think it was a great experience, but also a kinda a weird one," he said. "We were kind of in a bubble. I think just from that experience, going into this year and this Olympics, it's a short tournament, and you gotta be prepared right away when you land there."
