Leafs’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson fined for interference on Jake Guentzel

On Tuesday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been fined $5,000 for interference on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel.

The incident happened just over five minutes into the third period of the Maple Leafs’ 5-2 win on Monday night. Ekman-Larsson was going after the puck in the neutral zone when he saw an oncoming Guentzel. The Swedish blueliner elected to throw a reverse hit on the former Pittsburgh Penguin, resulting in a minor penalty for interference.

The fine is the maximum allowable under the current collective bargaining agreement. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

This is the third time Ekman-Larsson has faced supplemental discipline in his 15-year NHL career. In November 2016, as a member of the Arizona Coyotes, he was fined $2,000 after receiving two embellishment calls against him. The following season, he was handed a $5,000 fine for slashing Sven Andrighetto of the Colorado Avalanche.

OEL has appeared in all six of the Leafs’ games this season, posting four assists and a plus/minus of +3, averaging 22:14 of ice time.

Ekman-Larsson came to Toronto on a four-year contract, which carries a cap hit of $3,5 million through the 2027-28 season. The signing happened just a few weeks after he lifted the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. The 33-year-old played 24 games during the postseason, registering two goals and six points. During the 2023-24 regular season, he scored nine goals and 32 points in 80 games, his highest point total in five years.

Ekman-Larsson’s veteran presence has made a noticeable impact on the Leafs’ blue line, as the team bolstered its backend with experienced players this past offseason.

In 988 NHL appearances, Ekman-Larsson has scored 144 goals and 331 assists for 475 points. He has also put up 14 points in 49 playoff games.