Ekman-Larsson Interest 'Is Real': Smart Add or Wrong Fit for the Oilers?

The Oilers are built to win now. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their primes, the front office’s mandate is obvious: stabilize the roster for a long playoff run. Ekman-Larsson could provide insulation if injuries strike and offer another calming presence in high-leverage situations.

But here’s the catch.

The Left-Side Logjam

The Oilers already have a crowded left side:

• Mattias Ekholm
• Darnell Nurse
• Jake Walman
• Spencer Stastney (depth option)

Adding another left-shot defender creates redundancy. Ekholm is the unquestioned anchor. Nurse plays heavy minutes in all situations. Walman has proven capable in transition. Stastney provides depth and flexibility.

So where does Ekman-Larsson fit?

He likely slots into a third-pair role or forces someone into an uncomfortable side switch. While some defencemen can play their off-side, it’s rarely ideal — especially heading into the postseason.

That raises the bigger strategic question: Should Edmonton prioritize a right-shot defender instead?

Why a Right-Shot Defender Might Make More Sense

Oilers management has been looking for a reliable partner for Nurse, as well as depth at the right side, behind Evan Bouchard. A right-shooting defenceman, particularly one who can play shutdown minutes or contribute on the penalty kill, might represent an even greater need.

Series in the playoffs are won with defencemen making defensive matchups. It’s essential to have balance on both sides of the puck. Currently, the Oilers have an imbalance at the back, particularly at the right side.

If the Oilers management does not consider Ekman-Larsson an upgrade over Walman or an injury replacement, the move might not be made out of necessity, but rather depth.

What Would It Cost?

The financial aspect is relevant to this equation.

Ekman-Larsson is not carrying the massive cap hit from his days in Arizona/Vancouver due to the buyout retention. This makes him affordable, but not necessarily cheap. Edmonton is a team that is very close to the salary cap and would need money retained or a contract moved out.

The trade cost likely falls in the range of:

Possibly more if retention is involved

A mid-round draft pick (3rd or 4th round)

Or a B-level prospect

This is a reasonable price to pay for a contender, but only if the fit makes sense.

If Edmonton is looking to add a right-shot defenceman and they need to commit to a contract extension or have better underlying defensive metrics, the price of this trade could increase significantly, potentially including a higher draft pick or a current player going the other way.

The Bigger Picture

The Oilers are in win-now mode, but every move must be exact. This isn’t about accumulating known players; it’s about constructing the best functional playoff roster.

Ekman-Larsson would give them experience, puck distribution, and depth security. He won’t hurt them. But does he elevate them enough compared to looking at a right-shooting defenseman to round out the lineup?

That’s the choice facing general manager Stan Bowman.

As the deadline approaches, Edmonton will look at every avenue available to them. If the cost is minimal and retention is part of the equation, Ekman-Larsson can be a logical insurance pickup. But if the Oilers want to truly win the Stanley Cup, bolstering the right side of the blue line might be the more astute move.

One thing is for sure: the Oilers are not idle.