Oilers Reject Maple Leafs' Oliver Ekman-Larsson Trade Proposal

The Edmonton Oilers spent the days leading up to the trade deadline aggressively searching for blue line help, and one name that kept popping up was Oliver Ekman-Larsson of the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

But according to TSN insider Darren Dreger, the deal ultimately fell apart when Edmonton refused to meet Toronto’s steep asking price.

Dreger reported on TSN’s Trade Deadline coverage that the Maple Leafs wanted a first-round pick, a second-round pick, and a prospect for the veteran defenseman. 

The Oilers were understandably unwilling to pay that high price.

Dreger says as of right now there isn’t a legit deal on the table for OEL. Price is 1st + 2nd + prospect.

Also looks like McMann will be dealt with the chance they circle back July 1

— Leafs Updates (@LeafsUpdates21) March 6, 2026

Oilers Refuse Maple Leafs Price for Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Ekman-Larsson had been an intriguing target for Edmonton. The 34-year-old defenseman can play both sides of the blue line and still provides offensive punch from the back end. 

This season, he has produced 35 points in 61 games, one of his best campaigns in recent years, while averaging just under 21 minutes of ice time per night for Toronto.

leafs were asking for a first, second and a prospect from the oilers for oliver ekman-larsson, per @DarrenDreger on the tsn trade deadline show.

— zach (@zjlaing) March 6, 2026

The veteran is also signed through 2027 with a manageable $3.5 million cap hit, which made him especially attractive for a cap-tight contender like Edmonton. 

However, the Maple Leafs were clearly aiming to maximize value for a player who remains productive and under contract beyond this season. Ekman-Larsson also carries a 15-team no-trade clause, meaning he would have needed to approve any move to Edmonton.

Oilers Pivot After Ekman-Larsson Trade Talks Collapse

Once the Oilers rejected Toronto’s price, they quickly changed course. Edmonton instead acquired Connor Murphy from the Chicago Blackhawks, with 50 percent salary retained, in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick. 

Murphy brings the defensive presence the Oilers have been seeking ever since Adam Larsson departed in 2021.

Bob Stauffer says that the #LeafsForever have a first round pick offer on the table for defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson

— Maple Leafs News (@budsallday34) February 28, 2026

The Oilers continued tweaking their roster with another move involving Chicago, bringing in Jason Dickinson and Colton Dach while moving out Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round pick. 

Dickinson is a really solid shutdown center, something the Oilers desperately need, while Dach adds size and physicality to the bottom six.

Photo Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images