Maple Leafs reportedly get first-round offer — and selling might be right move

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a more than interesting offer on the table for defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, according to reports.

According to Edmonton Oilers radio color commentator Bob Stauffer, the Leafs have reportedly received an offer of a first-round pick for Ekman-Larsson, 34.

On Friday's edition of "Oilers NOW," Stauffer said, "The Leafs, I'm told, have a number one for Oliver Ekman-Larsson. That's what I'm hearing through the grapevine."

After back-to-back losses in Florida, speculation began that the Leafs might be willing to sell a lot, with the NHL trade deadline (3 p.m. ET March 6) approaching. On Thursday, insider Frank Seravalli revealed that the Oilers were interested in Ekman-Larsson.

Maple Leafs face decision on Oliver Ekman-Larsson

"Well, two in particular that I believe the Edmonton Oilers have circled and are paying very close attention to, and that is St. Louis Blues defenseman Justin Falk and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson," Seravalli said on Prime Video's "NHL Coast to Coast."

"Both bring a big skating element, and the key is that they play potentially on the right side ... They were originally looking for a scoring winger with size ... They know that they need to defend better."

Although Ekman-Larsson has been a fairly consistent blueliner this season, it will be very difficult for him to maintain his level for the two years remaining on his contract, considering his age.

With a $3.5M AAV deal, on the other hand, he has a good profile for the deadline. He's a veteran element, solid, knows how to move the puck and isn't expensive against the cap. This is perhaps the best time for the Leafs to take advantage and get a first-round pick.