The Bruins May Be Signing A Player That Just Held The Worst Contract In The NHL

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Austin Sabourin
June 20, 2023 (9:12 PM)

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Is It Time for the Boston Bruins to Pursue Oliver Ekman-Larsson in Free Agency?

The Boston Bruins find themselves at a crossroads this offseason as they consider whether to make a move for defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Vancouver Canucks recently bought out the remaining four years of his hefty eight-year, $66 million contract, making him available for any NHL team to sign.

The Bruins have been tantalizingly close to acquiring Ekman-Larsson on two separate occasions in the past three years. However, he ultimately ended up being traded by the Arizona Coyotes to the Canucks in a multi-player deal last summer. Now, with Ekman-Larsson hitting the open market once again, speculation is swirling about a potential reunion between the Swedish blueliner and the Boston Bruins.

It's worth revisiting the history between Ekman-Larsson and the Bruins. In the 2020 offseason, both the Canucks and the Bruins emerged as front-runners for his services, with Ekman-Larsson agreeing to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade. Unfortunately for Boston, a deal never materialized before the start of unrestricted free agency.

Fast forward to last year, and the Bruins were once again mentioned as a potential destination for Ekman-Larsson. However, unlike in 2020, a trade to Boston was not as imminent, and he eventually found himself donning the Canucks' jersey.

Ekman-Larsson is getting linked to Boston once again

Now, NHL insiders are reigniting the Bruins-Ekman-Larsson rumors, but several obstacles could stand in the way of a successful union. The Bruins already have a considerable portion of their salary cap, $30.8 million to be exact, committed to seven defensemen, including three regular left shots.

Adding Ekman-Larsson would create a logjam on the left side of their defensive corps. Furthermore, Ekman-Larsson is coming off a subpar season, tallying just two goals and 20 assists in 54 games. His worst statistical campaign occurred in his rookie year, where he registered only one goal and ten assists in 48 games.

After being bought out, Ekman-Larsson went on to state

"I don't feel like I'm done over there," said Ekman-Larsson when asked if he woud be returning to North America and the NHL. "I feel like I'm good enough to play in the league still. That's what I'm passionate about: refuting those who might think otherwise."

"I feel a great desire for revenge and want to show that they made the wrong decision. I want to show that I am a good player and I know what I can do."

For the first time in his career, Ekman Larsson, 31, will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. He said the prospect excites him.

"It's still a bit exciting for myself to be a free agent on the first of July. I never have been. So it's clear that it's tense and expectant and every emotion you can think of really."

Taking all these factors into account, should the Boston Bruins still consider bringing Oliver Ekman-Larsson into their fold, even at a potentially reduced price?

Source: Bostonhockeynow