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Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Beyond the Statistics

Introduction

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a cornerstone of the Arizona Coyotes franchise, has established himself as one of the most formidable defensemen in the NHL. His exceptional playmaking abilities, unwavering defensive prowess, and leadership on and off the ice have earned him widespread recognition. While his statistics provide a glimpse into his contributions, they fail to fully capture the depth of his impact on the game.

Statistical Overview

Season	Games Played	Goals	Assists	Points	PIM	+/-
2022-23	58	2	14	16	26	-9
2021-22	79	5	26	31	56	-31
2020-21	56	2	11	13	32	-23
2019-20	66	4	21	25	38	-26
2018-19	79	9	27	36	48	-22

Source: NHL.com

Ekman-Larsson's statistics are impressive, demonstrating his versatility as a two-way defenseman. However, his true value extends beyond the numbers.

oliver ekman-larsson

Defensive Prowess

Ekman-Larsson's defensive prowess is unmatched. His physicality makes him a formidable force in front of the net, while his exceptional positioning and anticipation allow him to shut down opposing forwards effectively. According to Natural Stat Trick, Ekman-Larsson has averaged over 23 blocked shots per 60 minutes since 2016-17, ranking among the league's elite in that category.

Playmaking Abilities

Offensively, Ekman-Larsson is a gifted playmaker. His ability to quarterback the Coyotes' power play has been instrumental in their success. Ekman-Larsson's vision and passing skills allow him to create scoring chances with ease. Despite playing on a struggling team, he has consistently been among the league's top-scoring defensemen.

Leadership and Impact

Beyond his on-ice performance, Ekman-Larsson is a true leader. As the Coyotes' captain, he sets an example for his teammates both on and off the ice. His dedication to the game has earned the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Beyond the Statistics

According to hockey analytics website Evolving-Hockey, Ekman-Larsson's presence on the ice has a significant impact on his team's performance. In the past five seasons, the Coyotes have had a better expected goals-for percentage with Ekman-Larsson on the ice compared to when he is off.

Transition to the Coyotes

Oliver Ekman-Larsson was traded to the Coyotes from the Vancouver Canucks in 2021. While the move was initially met with skepticism, Ekman-Larsson has proven to be a valuable asset for his new team.

Introduction

Contributions to the Coyotes

Despite the Coyotes' struggles in recent years, Ekman-Larsson has been a bright spot. His leadership and contributions on both ends of the ice have been crucial to their performances.

Impact on the Community

Off the ice, Ekman-Larsson is equally impressive. He is actively involved in the local community, participating in various charitable initiatives. His dedication to giving back has earned him widespread admiration.

Conclusion

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is more than just a collection of statistics. He is a true impact player whose value extends beyond the score sheet. His exceptional defensive prowess, playmaking abilities, and leadership qualities make him one of the most valuable players in the NHL. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Ekman-Larsson remains a shining example of what it means to be a consummate professional. As he continues his journey in the desert, the Coyotes and their fans can rest assured that they have a special player who embodies the very essence of the game.

Call to Action

If you are a fan of exceptional hockey, make it a point to watch Oliver Ekman-Larsson play. His contributions to the game are truly remarkable, and he is one of the few players who can truly elevate his team to new heights.