Oliver Ekman-Larsson misses Leafs’ practice due to illness

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated May 13, 2025 12:45 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson missed Tuesday’s practice due to illness and was held out for precautionary reasons, head coach Craig Berube revealed.

“Nothing terrible, but I thought it was better he stay off today and rest up,” Berube said of Ekman-Larsson, via TSN’s Mark Masters.

Ekman-Larsson was replaced by Jani Hakanpaa during the practice session. Hakanpaa was paired with Simon Benoit on the third unit. Nick Robertson also took Ekman-Larsson’s place on the second power play unit. Ekman-Larsson logged 17:54 of ice time in Sunday’s loss.

The 33-year-old has been an excellent addition to the Maple Leafs’ defence corps and has been paired with Benoit throughout the playoffs, the 10th-most commonly used group in the playoffs at 5-on-5. Ekman-Larsson has recorded two goals and four points in 10 playoff games, providing some key secondary offence for the Leafs. He registered four goals and 29 points in 77 regular season contests.

Ekman-Larsson is one of three current Leafs who won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers last season, alongside Steven Lorentz and Anthony Stolarz.

Stolarz skated with the team Tuesday for the first time since suffering an injury in Game 1 of the series, after getting hit in the head by Sam Bennett. He left the ice before the practice session formally began and Joseph Woll is widely expected to start Game 5 on Wednesday. Woll was outstanding in Game 4, as the Maple Leafs were blanked 2-0.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube hinted at some lineup changes for Game 5, but it’s unclear what those changes may look like. Ekman-Larsson’s spot in the lineup is secure, provided he’s healthy Wednesday.