Oliver Ekman-Larsson Siblings: All About Kevin Ekman-Larsson

Oliver Oscar Emanuel Ekman-Larsson, born on July 17, 1991, in Karlskrona, Sweden, is a professional ice hockey defenseman.

Known by his initials “OEL,” he has carved out a distinguished career in the National Hockey League (NHL), currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Ekman-Larsson hails from a family steeped in hockey tradition, with a lineage that includes his father, maternal grandfather, and younger brother, all of whom have contributed to the sport in various capacities.

His journey from the rinks of Sweden to the NHL showcases his dedication, skill, and resilience, making him a beloved figure in the hockey community.

Siblings

Oliver has one sibling, his younger brother Kevin Ekman-Larsson, who has followed in his footsteps to pursue a career in professional hockey.

Kevin, like Oliver, is a defenseman and has been associated with the Tucson Roadrunners, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes, where Oliver spent 11 seasons.

Currently, Kevin plays for BIK Karlskoga in Sweden’s second-tier league, HockeyAllsvenskan.

Career

Ekman-Larsson’s hockey career began in Sweden with Tingsryds AIF in the HockeyAllsvenskan during the 2007–08 season, where he recorded eight points in 27 games.

He later joined Leksands IF, amassing 44 points over two seasons, showcasing his potential as a skilled defenseman.

His performance caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection as the sixth overall pick by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Ekman-Larsson debuted in the NHL during the 2010–11 season, quickly establishing himself as a reliable defenseman with a knack for offensive contributions.

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He recorded his first NHL point on October 23, 2010, assisting on a Kyle Turris goal, and scored his first NHL goal on January 17, 2011, against the San Jose Sharks.

During his 11 seasons with the Coyotes, Ekman-Larsson became a cornerstone of the franchise, serving as captain from 2018.

He led the team in scoring during the 2014–15 and 2015–16 seasons, a rare feat for a defenseman.

In 2014–15, he scored 23 goals, the most by an NHL defenseman that season, and set a franchise record for the most game-winning goals by a defenseman with eight in the 2015–16 season.

In 2021, he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks, where he played for two seasons before being bought out.

Ekman-Larsson then signed a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers, where he won the Stanley Cup in 2024, a pinnacle moment in his 14-season NHL career.

He signed a four-year, \$14 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs in July 2024, reuniting with former Coyotes executives Brad Treliving and Shane Doan.

On November 13, 2024, he celebrated his 1,000th NHL game, a testament to his durability and skill.

Accolades

Ekman-Larsson’s most significant achievement came in 2024 when he won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series.

This victory marked the culmination of a 14-year journey to capture hockey’s ultimate prize.

Ekman-Larsson has been selected to the NHL All-Star Game twice, in 2015 and 2018, recognizing his status as one of the league’s top defensemen.

Internationally, he has represented Sweden with distinction, earning a silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics and gold medals at the 2017 and 2018 IIHF World Championships.

He also won a bronze medal at the 2010 World Junior Championships, where he was the highest-scoring defenseman for Sweden.

In the 2014–15 season, he broke Nicklas Lidström’s record to become the first Swedish-born defenseman in NHL history to score more than 20 goals in a single season.

Additionally, he set an NHL record for the fastest shorthanded goal to start a period, scoring five seconds into the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 29, 2015.