Oliver Ekman-Larsson comments on the persistent trade rumors

For all we know, he could be on the move soon enough.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 6 years ago
Oliver Ekman-Larsson comments on the persistent trade rumors
NHL.com

Even though they just beat the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Center two days ago, the Arizona Coyotes are just... awful. With a record of 3-15-3 and just one regulation win, it is easy to understand why there's so many trade rumors surrounding general manager John Chayka's team.

One of the most persistent over the past few weeks is about the Yotes' star defenseman, Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Even though Chayka made it extremely clear that the 26-year-old blueliner is “not available", many wonder if he will want to stay with a team that has absolutely no chance of being a Cup contender in the near future. 

Would he prefer being dealt elsewhere? In an interview with The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, he said he doesn't really focus on that for now but admits he'll have to make a very important decision soon enough:

"To be honest with you, I haven’t thought about it, I’ve still got another year after this,” he said. “At the same time, you do want to know what’s going to happen with the team and the organization. That’s going to be a big part of my decision. I mean, it’s my future and my life and you only have one chance to play in this league. You got to sit down and really think about it. But on the other hand, I love playing in Arizona and I love the organization. I’ve always been a guy that wants to be a difference-maker and not take the easy way out."

OEL earns $5,5 million per year, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2019. 

In 21 games this year, the former sixth overall pick amassed two goals and nine assists for 11 points. Do you believe he's going to be traded before the end of his contract?

Source: The Athletic