$14 million worth Oliver Ekman-Larsson speaks out on his decision to join Maple Leafs

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Aug 01, 2024 16:32 GMT

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, now a Stanley Cup champion, has returned to Sweden. He enjoyed showing off the Cup for the first time in his 14-year NHL career. At Dackehallen in Tingsryd, he shared his mixed feelings.

"It's unreal and real at the same time," Ekman-Larsson said. "All the emotions and all the time you spent here, and everyone who comes here and shows their support. Then obviously some are here for the trophy as well, people are interested in it, but I'm so grateful."

Ekman-Larsson is looking forward to his next step with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He signed a four-year, $14 million contract with them on Jul. 1.

"It's going to be a lot of fun," Larsson added. "The whole journey from winning to getting to decide what to do in the future, it's also a part of settling in. Toronto reached out and it tingled a little extra in the stomach. We are really excited to start the new season over there, it's going to be a lot of fun. It's a lot of history and culture in that organization."

Ekman-Larsson’s journey to the Cup included a major change. After the Vancouver Canucks bought out his contract, he signed with the Florida Panthers for one year. He scored 32 points in the regular season and six points in the playoffs, helping the Panthers win the Cup. He also joined a group of defensemen who won their first Cup after playing over 980 games.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson reflected on Stanley Cup win

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has had a remarkable year. In April, he celebrated the arrival of his son, Leo Phoenix. Then, he achieved a career milestone by capturing his first Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in a Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Shortly after his Stanley Cup victory, Ekman-Larsson signed a four-year, $14 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jul. 1. He describes winning the Cup as a dream come true.

"It feels amazing. That’s the dream, right? You just never know if you’re gonna get that chance. You put in a lot of hard work and a lot of other teams are trying to do the same thing,” Larsson said on Jul. 19 (via gophnx.com).

Though winning the Cup was exhilarating, Ekman-Larsson faced tough times leaving the Coyotes and navigating challenges in Arizona and Vancouver. His move to Florida was motivated by the desire for a championship, and he found success with the Panthers.