Report: Nikita Zadorov, Oliver Ekman-Larsson Remain Prime Targets for Maple Leafs Ahead of NHL Free Agency
After the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the rights to pending unrestricted free agent Chris Tanev Saturday, the club is still looking to bolster their defensive corps and is actively exploring their options. Of the presumed defenseman to be available on July 1, Nikita Zadorov and Oliver Ekman-Larsson remain prime targets for the Leafs.
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, Toronto is focused on reinforcing their backend in addition to Tanev, who they hope to sign soon. As Dreger points out, two names to follow are Zadorov and Ekman-Larsson.
“Toronto is positioned to strengthen their blueline. Some creative negotiating is required, but Zadorov and OEL remain prime targets in addition to Tanev," Dreger wrote on 'X' Saturday.
This is not the first we have heard of the Zadorov and Toronto connection. In extension to Tanev, Zadorov has been rumored as the Leafs’ second-best option, if he were to make it to the open market.
As we have come to know, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said Friday the club will not be bringing back Zadorov, who the team acquired in November of 2023. Considering the organization made a couple of headlines Thursday with the re-signings of forward Dakota Joshua and defenseman Tyler Myers, the team has a projected $12.99 million in cap space according to PuckPedia.com. With other holes to fill, the club cannot commit to the value Zadorov is seeking and will send him to the open market on July 1.
General manager Brad Treliving had ties to Zadorov in Calgary, who signed his most recent two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Flames in July of 2022. In fact, Treliving attempted midway through the 2023-24 season to trade for both Tanev and Zadorov in a package deal that did not end up happening. With free agency right around the corner, perhaps Treliving will circle back on “Big Z” and bring him to Toronto. For Zadorov, AFP Analytics is projecting a five-year, $26.58 million contract carrying an average annual value of $5.31 a season for his next deal.
The other name stemmed from the report is Ekman-Larsson, who recently won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. Following a buyout with the Vancouver Canucks in June of 2023, Ekman-Larsson joined the Panthers on a one-year, $2.25 million contract, proving to be a worthwhile move by the Cats.
In 80 regular season games played, he scored nine goals paired with 23 assists for 32 points. In the postseason, he added another two goals and four assists through 22 games en route to the Stanley Cup Victory in Sunrise.
Ekman-Larsson could maintain a leadership role while helping to solidify some version of structure on the backend, if the Leafs can make the money work. At 32 years old, he has over 1000 games played in the NHL if you include the postseason and has consistently anchored a strong two-way game with experience on a contender.
AFP Analytics is estimating a three-year, $12.34 million contract carrying an average annual value of $4.11 a season. Though he may not be the first selection on the Leafs’ to-do list, you can see why Treliving may be interested.
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