Insiders: Oilers Interest in Maple Leafs Player Is 'Real'

The Edmonton Oilers have already convinced legend Paul Coffey to come back behind the bench to help out with the team's struggling defensive play. But word is starting to grow that the team will also look to add a top-four type d-man at the deadline.

One team that has a few pieces on the blueline that could be up for grabs is the Toronto Maple Leafs. And apparently, according to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Oilers have their eye on the biggest name involved:

I do think Edmonton's interest in Ekman-Larsson is real. And I think it's just going to be really interesting to see what happens with him in particular, because I do think they could do that if they wanted to.

Fellow insider Frank Seravalli echoed this sentiment, as he appeared on Sports on Prime, saying the Oilers have circled OEL as a target:

Two names to watch as #Oilers search for help on the blue line: #stlblues Justin Faulk and #LeafsForever Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

Neither possible without first moving Mangiapane.

From @SportsOnPrimeCA with @AndiPetrillo tonight: pic.twitter.com/tEv3qhHxdN
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 27, 2026

Why Oliver Ekman-Larsson could be big addition to Oilers blueline

He notes the "big skating element" that OEL would bring to the Oilers blueline, and "they know that they need to defend better. And I think of the impact that Mattias Ekholm had in 2023 with his acquisition, (Justin Faulk and Ekman-Larsson are two names) that could have a very similar impact on Edmonton's back end."

OEL is a left shot, but can play the right side as well. The 6'2" smooth-skating, extremely mobile blueliner is having a renaissance season. His 27 assists and 35 points are his highest marks in seven seasons.

After the Maple Leafs just came out of the break with two brutal back-to-back losses, to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, it certainly doesn't seem like there'd be any reason for the team not to become a notable seller.