Oliver Ekman-Larsson Forced to Leave Game Against the Edmonton Oilers
The Toronto Maple Leafs lose a defenseman for unknown reason during game against Edmonton.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson left the second period of the Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Edmonton Oilers, with it unclear what caused the absence.
Ekman-Larsson did not appear on the bench or take a shift for the Leafs in the second period.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson is another in a long line of Leafs absences, now joining Jani Hakanpaa as out for Toronto who is out due to injury.
Ekman-Larsson has three goals and 21 points in 50 games this season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Maple Leafs seemingly can't catch a break regarding their injured players, as they just got back Matthew Knies and John Tavares against Edmonton, and losing a key piece of their defense is not the type of news they needed to hear.
While he hasn't been an offensive dynamo, Ekman-Larsson still makes an impact and his veteran leadership is invaluable. With Morgan Rielly struggling it is up to OEL to be able to shoulder some of the load, and him out makes Toronto's life harder.
It looks like Ekman-Larsson won't return as the Maple Leafs defenseman did not return to the bench for the start of the third period. Though it's not official as of yet, his absence is not good.
While Toronto is having a solid game against the Oilers (much needed as well), them losing Ekman-Larsson for any period of time is not going to be good for a team who needs to have as many healthy bodies as possible.
Ekman-Larsson has already dealt with several injuries throughout his career and this latest injury can only mean bad news. We will have to wait and see if this is a long-term injury or something he can manage to get through, but as usual, we won't hear for a day or two what's going on.
