Oliver Ekman-Larsson missed some time as he was dealing with a horrible illness this past week, and it was a good sign to see him back practicing with the team. With Auston Matthews and Anthony Stolarz out injured, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/auston-matthews-makes-a-concerning-statement-about-his-injury-recovery' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Maple Leafs can ill-afford any more setbacks</a> in the quest to keep their good run going. Fears of further damage arose when two of their players missed the last outing through illness, but Toronto did get some good news on Oliver Ekman-Larsson's return to action. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/budsallday34/status/1874494420642652376'> </a></blockquote></div> While Oliver Ekman-Larsson is not at Chris Tanev's level of defense, he has certainly elevated <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>the Leafs</a>' blue line. The physicality, blocked shots, and veteran leadership in his resurgence apparently signal a rejuvenation fueled partly by his time in Florida where he won the Stanley Cup. No longer the dynamic force he was in his prime, <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/oliver-ekman-larsson-8475171' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Ekman-Larsson</a> still has what it takes to shore up the defense and let the offense flower. Once among the NHL's elite-scoring defensemen, Ekman-Larsson's pairing with Simon Benoit is now key to Simon Benoit's development. Experienced yet still developing as a player himself, having a veteran presence like Ekman-Larsson could help unlock unseen upside. Even if it does not, his presence brings immense value to the overall team's success. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1863713351626379443'> </a></blockquote></div> <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/leafs-bolster-blueline-signing-oliver-ekman-larsson-to-massive-deal' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>There was doubt about his health and contract</a>, but he has largely proved those concerns unfounded. A team like Toronto needed a seasoned defender with experience winning Stanley Cups and a renewed edge for the roster. Some will no doubt quibble over salary or lack of scoring punch, but Ekman-Larsson's impact on the Leafs' defensive core cannot be denied.