Edmonton Oilers miss on Oliver Ekman-Larsson as 10-team no-trade list stalls talks
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Daniel Lucente
Feb 28, 2026 (11:20)
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Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
NHL Rumour Report on X is pushing a Darren Dreger theory: Oliver Ekman-Larsson won't waive to Edmonton, and the Oilers need a new blue line plan.
This is exactly the kind of deadline snag Edmonton cannot afford, because the fit is obvious.
Ekman-Larsson is a left-shot mover with a $3.5 million cap hit, signed through 2027-28.
He's also producing, 8-27-35 in 59 games this season, and that matters for a second unit man advantage that goes stale.
The catch is the contract protection, a 10-team no-trade list that gives him real control.
Re Maple Leafs/OEL rumours: "Can we just do a little fact checking please, Oliver Ekman-Larsson has trade protection; he doesn't wanna go anywhere."
- Darren Dreger
- Darren Dreger
Based on this report, it appears he does not want to be traded to any teams whatsoever.
Even if Toronto listens, it only takes one "no" to turn weeks of work into nothing.
That's why the noise about the price felt off, too.
One report tied the ask to Isaac Howard, who is 21, a 2022 first-rounder, drafted 31st by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
If you're an Oilers fan, you can feel the frustration building, because the window is now and the market keeps playing hardball.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson forces Edmonton Oilers to pivot
So here's the value in the pivot: Edmonton should stop shopping for "perfect" and buy a trait.
They need a defender who exits clean, wins a second touch, and keeps Connor McDavid from starting every shift 180 feet from danger.
If that player is not Ekman-Larsson, it can still be a top-four upgrade.
Rasmus Ristolainen is one name being connected to teams checking in, including Edmonton, with talk that trade momentum is building.
Whether it's him or someone else, the priority stays the same: add one dependable minutes-eater, then use whatever cap is left on a bottom-six driver.
The deadline is not about winning the headline. It's about winning four shifts in May.
Also read on HockeyLatest :
Oliver Ekman-Larsson trade talk tests Toronto Maple Leafs at 27-23-9 with first on table
Oliver Ekman-Larsson trade talk tests Toronto Maple Leafs at 27-23-9 with first on table
Previously on HockeyLatest
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 28|124 ANSWERS Edmonton Oilers miss on Oliver Ekman-Larsson as 10-team no-trade list stalls talks Should teams move on from Oliver Ekman-Larsson rumors right now? | ||
| Yes | 103 | 83.1 % |
| No | 21 | 16.9 % |
| List of polls | ||