© Peter Ekholm, NHL.com/sv Independent Correspondent

Oliver Ekman-Larsson returned to his native Sweden a Stanley Cup champion Thursday when the 33-year-old defenseman took in the emotions of showing off hockey’s greatest prize for the first time in his 14-season NHL career. 

“From Dackehallen, a rink in Tingsryd, Ekman-Larsson expressed his feelings as a blend of reality and dream. ‘The outpouring of emotions, the time invested here, and the support shown by everyone who visits, is overwhelming. Some are also here for the trophy, which piques their interest. But I am immensely grateful for all of it,’ he said.”

Ekman-Larsson’s subsequent action involved spending time with friends and family. This included a visit to the cemetery with the Cup to pay tribute to his mother, Annika, who succumbed to breast and lung cancer in 2017.

“He said, “That’s something that ranks high on the list.””

© Peter Ekholm, NHL.com/sv Independent Correspondent

On July 1, 2023, Ekman-Larsson inked a one-year deal with the Florida Panthers. This occurred after the Vancouver Canucks bought out the remaining four years of his contract. His contribution of 32 points, comprising nine goals and 23 assists in 80 games, and six points, including two goals and four assists in 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games, played a crucial role in both Ekman-Larsson and the Panthers securing their first Cup win. He also entered the record books as one of only eight defensemen in NHL history to clinch his first NHL championship after participating in a minimum of 980 regular-season games, with his tally being 982.

“From early on, I had a strong feeling that Florida was a good choice,” said Ekman-Larsson during an on-ice interview at Dackehallen. “Having reached the Stanley Cup Final the previous year, they had the experience and the necessary players. In hindsight, it turned out to be a fantastic decision. It’s easy to say this now, but here we are.”

On July 1, Ekman-Larsson inked a four-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, worth $14 million, averaging an annual value of $3.5 million.

© Peter Ekholm, NHL.com/sv Independent Correspondent

“He said, ‘The entire experience, from triumph to decision-making about the future, is a part of the settling-in process. When Toronto made contact, it sparked a special excitement within us. We are genuinely thrilled to begin the new season there. It’s going to be a thrilling journey. The organization is rich in history and culture.'”

NHL.com/sv independent correspondent Peter Ekholm contributed to this report