The Toronto Maple Leafs have made some huge signings in the off-season thus far, and before Oliver Ekman-Larsson, they almost nabbed another huge name.
After a disappointing exit from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving had plenty of work to do heading into a crucial off-season. Now, he's started strong with the signings of Chris Tanev, Anthony Stolarz, Jani Hakanpaa and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, but it was almost another high profile name before pivoting to OEL.
Unsurprisingly, given the poor play leading up to a solid year with the Florida Panthers, Maple Leafs fans aren't taking the latest news too well.
Roy ultimately inked the deal with Washington at just under $6 million AAV, and according to the report, the team were put off by that number, opting to go with the cheaper, yet more unreliable option in Ekman-Larsson.
It will take some time to know if this gamble will pay off for the Maple Leafs, but as of right now, their blue line could have looked much better with Roy, so Treliving and the front office will be praying they get 2023-24 OEL rather than his two year stint in Vancouver.
