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Wednesday night was a big moment for Toronto Maple Leafs' defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The veteran blueliner experienced his 1,000th NHL regular-season game in dramatic fashion as the Maple Leafs came from behind for a 4-3 overtime victory over the Washington Capitals on the road.
Although Ekman-Larsson isn't the first player to achieve the milestone, reaching the 1,000-game mark isn't anything to take lightly. It deserves to be celebrated in style, which is why the 33-year-old defender planned to take his teammates out for a celebratory dinner after the victory.
With Ekman-Larsson footing the bill for the night, Maple Leafs winger William Nylander was asked about what he planned on ordering. The Swedish forward — who had a two-point effort in the win — made it clear that he's going to take advantage of the situation.
"I mean, whatever. (Ekman-Larsson's) paying," Nylander told TSN's Mark Masters. "Some expensive wine maybe would be nice."
Nylander says Oliver Ekman-Larsson is taking team out for dinner to celebrate 1,000 game milestone
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 14, 2024
What's he want?
"I mean, whatever. He's paying. Some expensive wine maybe would be nice."
A former two-time NHL All-Star, Ekman-Larsson joined the Maple Leafs on a four-year, $14 million contract in the offseason to help solidify the club's backend. With a total salary of $4.5 million this season, per Spotrac, it's safe to say that the veteran defenseman can afford whatever his fellow Swede desires.
Even though he's no longer at the top of his game, Ekman-Larsson has been solid in his first season with the Maple Leafs. The former 2009 first-rounder has appeared in all 18 of Toronto's games so far, recording one goal and five assists with 37 shots on goal and an even plus-minus rating.
It's early in the season, but Ekman-Larsson has proven that he can be someone who head coach Craig Berube can rely on in various situations. He's capable of playing 20-plus minutes per night with the ability to eat shorthanded and power-play minutes.
Winners of seven of their last 10 games, the Maple Leafs will now enjoy two days off before they welcome Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night.
More must-reads:
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Raiders Add Former Chiefs, Texas DT After Christian Wilkins Release
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