Oliver Ekman-Larsson exits vs Sharks, will not return for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Oliver Ekman-Larsson left Toronto's 4-1 loss Thursday against San Jose. Ekman-Larsson left in the second period and did not return.

The Leafs later ruled Ekman-Larsson as out in the third period, having suffered a lower-body injury. Ekman-Larsson appeared in pain shortly before leaving in the second.

Fellow defenseman Jake McCabe left to the locker room in the first period for Toronto, but ultimately returned to the game.

Ekman-Larsson, 34, has eight goals, 30 assists, & 38 points in 72 games this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

An injury status from Leafs head coach Craig Berube will be hoped to provide an update on the status of Ekman-Larsson's injury, whether immediately post-game, or later Friday prior to the second game of the California doubleheader against the Los Angeles Kings.

The potential loss of Oliver Ekman-Larsson is another nail on one of the Toronto Maple Leafs most disappointing seasons.

Ekman-Larsson had been a bright spot for Toronto, being an offensive leader from the Leafs blueline, while being a reliable power play asset for Toronto.

Leading all Leafs defenders in points with 38, Ekman-Larsson has been a source of consistency for Toronto, and why the team resisted trade interest to keep the 34-year-old in the roster.

The Leafs blueline is already weakened with the loss of Chris Tanev and his season ending injury that led to undergoing surgery earlier in the season.

Already without captain Auston Matthews, it means little to the Toronto Maple Leafs roster what injuries may prop up to close out their season, as long as it doesn't extend to the season after.

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