Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s season is over, the Vancouver Canucks announced on Thursday.
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The full-back with the 13th highest earnings at Bettman circuit suffered a left ankle injury on February 15. Despite showing good progress in fitness, the Swede is aiming for a return next season.
“He’s no longer cast and he can walk now,” head coach Rick Tocchet said, according to NHL.com. He’s been working very hard over the last month and it’s going to be a very important summer for him.
Since “OEL” was acquired by the Arizona Coyotes along with Conor Garland on July 21, 2021, it hasn’t lived up to expectations. By getting their hands on the 31-year-old athlete and his $8.25 million contract, the Canucks hoped to breathe new life into his career. After all, Ekman-Larsson had reached the 40-point plateau five times, including in 2015/16 when he scored 21 goals and 55 points.
The sixth overall pick in 2009, once a fixture in hockey pools, was instead capped at 29 points last season and 22 points this season. His -24 differential, good for last place in the British Columbia formation, also reflects his difficulties in the defensive zone.
A comeback?
Tocchet managed Ekman-Larsson in Arizona when he was having his best career moments. He’s hoping the 902-game National Hockey League veteran can get back to his level of play.
“I know a lot of people don’t believe in him anymore,” the Canucks driver said. I have a feeling he’s going to have a great season [en 2023-2024]. He has a twinkle in his eyes. I know he’ll use that as motivation.”
“Things haven’t gone as planned for him in recent years. I think he will use the summer to take his game to the next level. I firmly believe in it.”
Tocchet and the Canucks have an interest in investing all of their resources to get Ekman-Larsson back in shape as he won’t become a free agent until 2027.