Newly signed Toronto Maple Leafs defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson has had an eventful few weeks. Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup, he signed with the Leafs and now, in a recent interview, has shared a touching tribute to one of his former teams.
In an interview with Craig Morgan, who has long covered the Arizona Coyotes, Ekman-Larsson opened up about a special way he has honored the team where he spent the bulk of his career.
Drafted by the Coyotes, Ekman-Larsson played the majority of his career in Arizona until 2021, before moving on to the Vancouver Canucks and then the Florida Panthers. This tribute to his former team and city underscores the deep connection and lasting impact his time in Arizona had on him.
Despite the Arizona Coyotes no longer being part of the NHL, Ekman-Larsson's decision to name his son after the team and the city is a profound gesture. It highlights not only the strong bond players can form with the cities and teams they play for but also the enduring legacy these connections can leave.