What does Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson know that millions of us, apparently, do not?
Asked on Thursday whether he had issues with traffic in Toronto as he settles in the city, Ekman-Larsson had a surprising answer.
“No, not at all,” Ekman-Larsson said. “I can’t tell you (his secret). It’s a little bit of traffic, but I don’t mind it. It’s nice to put on some tunes (Swedish music, he said) in the car and relax a little bit.”
Relaxing while driving anywhere in Toronto: What a concept.
Ekman-Larsson’s comfort in his new environment after he signed a four-year contract with the Leafs in free agency has extended on to the ice.
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The 33-year-old leads the team in ice time (21 minutes 50 seconds a game), has been promoted to quarterbacking the top power-play unit and is among Toronto’s leaders in possession at five-on-five.
Ekman-Larsson has three assists and his 15 shots on goal are second among Leafs to captain Auston Matthews’ 19.
“I’m just having fun and we’re having fun as a group of guys, and I think that pays off on the ice,” Ekman-Larsson said. “We’ve been playing some good hockey.”
Coach Craig Berube pointed to Ekman-Larsson’s Stanley Cup-winning experience with the Florida Panthers last spring as a significant factor in what the player is doing with the Leafs in the early going.
“They won the Cup, so a lot of confidence coming in this year,” Berube said. “He has been a good player for a long time in this league. He knows how to play the game, and he has played really well for us, right from camp.”
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