NHL Defencemen Domino Effect: Ekman-Larsson, Hjalmarsson, Zadorov

With tight cap space, the Arizona Coyotes have been fielding interest on the team’s top two defenders – captain, Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Niklas Hjalmarsson.

Over the past week, both Albertan teams have reportedly expressed interest in discussing what an Ekman-Larsson deal might look like. Notably, when the Coyotes drafted Ekman-Larsson as their 6th overall selection in 2019, now Oilers Assistant GM Keith Gretzky was Head Scout in Arizona at the time. It was later said that Gretzky was adamant that the ‘Yotes take the Swedish superstar. Will the Oilers press hard in getting a deal done for the 29-year-old Ekman-Larsson?

Another team said to have some interest in Ekman-Larsson is the Boston Bruins. Losing Torey Krug to free agency this Fall will leave a big hole on the Bruin blue line. Specifically, it creates an offensive gap for the Bruins. While Ekman-Larson could help fill that void, it is unlikely that gets done. First and foremost, perhaps because of Ekman-Larsson’s contract.

Any team considering a trade for Ekman-Larsson will have to factor in his 2027 dated contract at an AAV of $8.25 million a year. Those are Big numbers.

D-Man Domino Effect

Fellow Swedish teammate, Niklas Hjalmarsson is also garnishing attention from NHL teams. Colorado Avalanche GM, Joe Sakic, has been rumoured to have had interest in the left-handed defenseman. The 33-year-old, three-time Stanley Cup Champion, is due $5 million before he becomes an UFA next season. Value wise that makes Hjalmarsson a decent option.