The Toronto Maple Leafs’ decision to sign Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a four-year contract at $3.5 million AAV earlier this offseason has sparked some heated debates. And why wouldn’t it? When you’re dishing out that kind of cash, fans expect results.
Meanwhile, some folks are wondering if OEL is really that much better than bringing back Tyson Barrie on a cheap Professional Tryout Offer (PTO). So, is this a smart move, or are the Leafs just throwing money around?
OEL and Barrie aren’t strangers to being compared. Both are puck-moving defensemen with the ability to run a power play. But here’s where it gets tricky—how much better is OEL, really?
Some fans are saying there’s not much difference between them. One guy even posted, “OEL and Barrie are basically the same player.” In a cap-strapped league like the NHL, saving a few bucks might actually be more valuable than a tiny upgrade in skills.
Still, others are backing OEL, saying he’s shown he can handle the pressure on a winning team, unlike Barrie, who couldn’t quite get the job done when it mattered in Toronto.
Tyson Barrie’s bumpy ride with the Leafs
Tyson Barrie wasn’t all bad during his time with the Leafs, but it wasn’t a fairytale either. He had solid numbers but was never the fan favorite. “Barrie’s biggest problem was that he was traded for a player everyone liked more,” one fan tweeted. His defensive game left a lot to be desired, and let’s face it, his offensive spark has dimmed a bit in the last couple of years.
But OEL isn’t exactly in his prime either. He’s 33 and played mostly third-pairing minutes last season. “If this was 28-year-old Barrie, it’d be a different story.” Yep, that’s true. Both guys are past their peak, but OEL gets the edge for being slightly more reliable.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The biggest complaint coming in my mailbox isn’t about OEL as a player; it’s about his price tag. In today’s NHL, the salary cap can make or break a team’s success.
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“OEL is better in a non-cap world, but in the NHL today, cheaper is better.” And they’ve got a point—if you’re going to pay someone top dollar, they better deliver top results.
But then, what good is saving cap space if you don’t spend it wisely? That’s another argument there.
So, Did the Leafs get it Right?
At the end of the day, OEL is a veteran who brings stability and experience, something the Leafs’ defense can always use. But is he worth $3.5 million a season for four years? That’s the big question. Some fans think the Leafs could’ve gotten more bang for their buck with Barrie on a PTO. Others believe OEL’s Cup experience and steady game make him the right choice, even at that price.
The real test will come when the season starts. If OEL helps the Leafs finally break their playoff curse, no one will care about his contract. If not, well, get ready for more muddy waters.
And hey, it’s the Leafs. Splashing cash in trial-and-error is practically a tradition at this point.