Maple Leafs haven't approached Ekman-Larsson about trade

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson put a damper on rumors of a potential trade before Friday's deadline, saying Monday that the front office hasn't approached him about a move, according to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun.

"We love it here, we're happy here, I want to be here," Ekman-Larsson added.

Ekman-Larsson is under contract through 2028 at an annual cap hit of $3.5 million and owns a 16-team no-trade list. The 34-year-old is considered one of Toronto's more valuable trade chips as the Maple Leafs trend toward missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.

Toronto enters Monday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers eight points back of a wild-card spot in the East. The Maple Leafs don't own a first-round draft pick for the next two seasons.

Ekman-Larsson has 35 points in 60 games this season while averaging over 20 minutes per contest. He was on Sweden's Olympic team and won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024.

Another Maple Leaf potentially on the move is forward Bobby McMann, who is tied for third on the team with 19 goals this season. He carries a $1.35-million cap hit and hits unrestricted free agency this summer. McMann said he's trying to focus on his play as the deadline looms.

"I wanna just battle here and it's been fun my whole career. ... Working my way into the NHL here and given the opportunity, I want to make the most of it and continue to put my best effort forward no matter the situation," McMann said Monday, according to Sportsnet's Anna Dua.

Toronto's nine-year playoff run is the longest active streak in the NHL. The Leafs have won two series in that span.