In 2010, Oliver Ekman-Larsson began his NHL career in Arizona, and the connections he made during his time in Phoenix aided him in making his free agent selection.
On July 1, the seasoned defenseman signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, rejoining former Coyotes assistant general manager Brad Treliving and Treliving’s assistant in Toronto, former captain Shane Doan.
Ekman-Larsson said to Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports, “I don’t want to sound like I’m sucking up to him, but Brad is one unbelievable person.” “I don’t think Toronto realizes how fortunate they are to have such a person who is so concerned about his players, organization, and surrounds.
“And the other guy, he’s also doing well.” Because of what he did for me as a child in Arizona, he had a special place in my heart. Playing with a guy like that makes me want that everyone could interact with guys like Doaner.
In recent years, Ekman-Larsson has experienced both the highs and lows of being an NHL player. After two difficult seasons, the Vancouver Canucks bought him out of the remaining four years of his contract in June 2023.
On July 1, 2023, he inked a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers. He had a strong regular season, averaging 18:23 minutes of ice time and scoring nine goals with 32 points in 80 games. More significantly, he contributed to the team’s first-ever Stanley Cup victory as well as his own.
Ekman-Larsson has only skated in the postseason twice before the 2023–24 season, and that was with the Coyotes in 2011–12 (16 games) and 2019–20 (nine games). He is the seventh defenseman in NHL history to win his first championship with 982 career NHL games played after making at least 980 appearances.
The 33-year-old defenseman acknowledges that signing with Toronto eight days after celebrating with the Panthers was an odd experience.
It’s really strange, Ekman-Larsson remarked. It wasn’t an easy decision because you recently won the Cup with a team you have been playing with for a year, and you love and appreciate the entire organization for everything they have done for me personally. As a male, I always try to follow my instincts, and when Toronto expressed interest, I had the sensation that this was what my family and I wanted to accomplish.
“I’ve always enjoyed playing at that building when we’re an away team. It’s always unique. The company is obviously rich in history, and I believe they have a talented team that has the potential to accomplish great things. It seems like a nice fit to me.
ALSO, Maple Leafs’ Scouting Director Mark Leach Scores Big
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced on Thursday, July 18, that Mark Leach will be joining the team as their new director of amateur scouting, reporting to general manager (GM) Brad Treliving. Leach takes over for Wes Clark, who was the vice president of player personnel for the Pittsburgh Penguins for six seasons until leaving the role. Leach, who played for the Dallas Stars for the previous 11 seasons, adds a plethora of expertise to the Maple Leafs.
He was instrumental in managing the amateur scouting department while in Dallas, collaborating closely with general manager Jim Nill and amateur scouting director Joe McDonnell. There are a few intriguing aspects of Leach. He first worked as a scout for Dallas, a team that selected excellent players later in the NHL Entry Draft. Roope Hintz (49th overall), Jason Robertson (39th overall), Wyatt Johnston (23rd overall), Logan Stankoven (47th overall), and Thomas Harley (18th overall) are a few among them.
Secondly, look for any available photo of Leach. It’s not feasible. When he signs with the Maple Leafs, things will definitely change, but for the time being, this guy seems to have lived under a rock. Regarding the nature of work in amateur scouting, what does that say?
During my research, I discovered that Leach was an amateur scout for the Detroit Red Wings for 20 seasons prior to joining the Stars. In 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008, the Red Wings won four Stanley Cup titles thanks in part to his performances. He played four seasons of hockey from 1980 to 1984 at St. Lawrence University, where his hockey career got its start. He gained more experience and insight into the game during his four seasons as an assistant coach at Boston College and Michigan Tech after finishing his playing career.
We do know that he brings a wealth of experience and a solid track record to the venerable Blue & White. He will have a big influence on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ player development and scouting initiatives.
The Maple Leafs will only have a few picks in the next two rounds, so you need to locate someone who has experience finding undiscovered gems. Leach appears skilled at it. His appointment as the team’s new director of amateur scouting instills confidence in the organization.
As Campbell admits, when Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas enticed Clark to lead Pittsburgh’s scouting department after he left the Maple Leafs, there was first cause for alarm. There was a discernible void after Clark’s departure given his outstanding performance in Toronto. But the Maple Leafs made a big comeback when they signed Leach.
Leach has outstanding qualifications. He has collaborated closely with Joe McDonnell and Dallas Stars general manager Nill, two of the top talent scouts in the industry. The fact that the Stars have performed well in the draft since Leach took over as McDonnell’s “right-hand man” is evidence of his vital role.
Nill has complimented Leach’s skills, emphasizing his vital role in the selection of exceptional players like as Johnston, Robertson, Stankoven, Jake Oettinger, and Miro Heiskanen. Nill underlined how long overdue it was for Leach to be promoted to head an NHL amateur scouting department. In Toronto, he gets the opportunity.
Only seven picks remain in the next two rounds, which presents a serious issue for the Maple Leafs. They only have one pick (a second-round selection) in the first four rounds of the 2025 Draft. This statistic emphasizes how valuable Leach’s skill at spotting talent in the middle and late rounds is—an area in which he has demonstrated excellence.
Leach’s accomplishments and experience in Dallas, as mentioned by Campbell in the video, indicate that he is more than competent of taking on this assignment. The Maple Leafs will need his ability to spot potential when others might miss it as they try to assemble a roster with little selection resources.
The Maple Leafs made a calculated decision in hiring Leach. His broad experience and successful track record put him in a good position to find untapped potential and secure the team’s future. In Leach, the Maple Leafs have acquired a valuable player who is poised to make an impact on the team despite the loss of Clark.
Leach has a talent that will be crucial as the club works through the difficulties of the next drafts, based on what I’ve read. It appears that the Maple Leafs’ scouting department will be led by competent individuals.
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