Oliver Ekman-Larsson knows struggle. Article content

The veteran Maple Leafs defenceman also knows there’s not only life on the other side, but prosperity. Article content Article content

Bought out in 2023 by the Vancouver Canucks and with his National Hockey League career seemingly in doubt, Ekman-Larsson signed that summer with the Florida Panthers.

Less than a year later, he was parading around the ice at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., with the Stanley Cup hoisted above his head, having played in all 24 playoff games as the Panthers won their first Cup in a seven-game decision over the Edmonton Oilers.

This isn’t to suggest a Cup title next spring awaits the Leafs, who are sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference as the calendar approaches U.S. Thanksgiving.

Bu

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