- 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Despite Oliver Ekman-Larsson`s evasiveness with a smile, when asked about his readiness, Chris Tanev suggested his fellow Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman would indeed be returning to the ice.
Adding to the positive outlook, head coach Craig Berube indicated his expectation that the team`s defense lineup would be at full strength for the playoff`s inaugural game.
It is anticipated that Ekman-Larsson will participate in Toronto`s opening game against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday night. This comes after he sat out the previous four regular-season games due to an undisclosed injury.
Tanev highlighted the qualities Ekman-Larsson brings to the team, stating, `Competitiveness, experience, veteran savvy, great person,` emphasizing his positive impact on the locker room.
Ekman-Larsson joined the Maple Leafs as a free agent, fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Florida Panthers last June.
Reflecting on his Stanley Cup run, the 33-year-old noted, `Just how hard it is to win` as his key takeaway. `Experiencing my first journey to the championship really showed me the immense effort and dedication required from everyone, day in and day out.`
The upcoming best-of-seven series against Ottawa marks a significant moment as the first playoff `Battle of Ontario` since Toronto`s dominance over their provincial rivals from 2000 to 2004. This series presents another opportunity for the skilled Maple Leafs team, which has only secured one series win in their last eight consecutive playoff appearances.
Ekman-Larsson, who contributed four goals and 25 assists in 77 games during the 2024-25 season, recalled Florida`s challenging path to the Cup last spring. `It`s not like we didn`t face challenges,` he said. `We had games where our performance wasn`t up to par, but we consistently found ways to recover.`
Coach Berube, who led the St. Louis Blues to a Stanley Cup victory in 2019 and is now tasked with guiding Toronto past its playoff hurdles, has utilized the veteran defenseman in various roles throughout the season.
`He has been a consistently excellent player in this league for a long time,` Berube commented. `He is incredibly versatile, adaptable to different partners, comfortable playing on the right side, power play, penalty kill. He`s the kind of player we heavily rely on in many situations and roles.`
`He embraces every role and handles it exceptionally well.`
In addition to Ekman-Larsson`s return, Toronto will also welcome back Jake McCabe to the defense. McCabe will resume his usual pairing with Tanev, having recovered from an undisclosed injury that sidelined him for eight games.
Tanev praised McCabe`s impact, `Jake has been outstanding all year. We have a great understanding, and our game perspectives align closely. We can exchange thoughts and make real-time adjustments effectively.`
`He embodies much of our desired playing style. The leadership and mindset he brings are invaluable.`
The same sentiment applies to Ekman-Larsson.
`He`s been fantastic for the team,` Tanev added. `We felt his absence, and we`re thrilled to have him back.`
The puck drop for Game 1 of the Battle of Ontario is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.