The Toronto Maple Leafs' already-thin blue line, ravaged by injuries to Chris Tanev, Brandon Carlo, Dakota Mermis, and Marshall Rifai, may have suffered a devastating blow tonight. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who has been nothing short of outstanding for the team, appears to have sustained a significant leg injury.
The incident occurred during the third period after a collision with a San Jose Sharks player. Replays show Ekman-Larsson's ankle bending awkwardly, sending the veteran defender crashing to the ice. Unable to get back to his feet, OEL urgently signaled for a whistle as the play continued down the ice.
A closer look at the play the resulted in OEL leaving the game.
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) December 12, 2025
Via @Sportsnet #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/SWiPDmtvqf
Visibly struggling, Ekman-Larsson needed assistance to get off the ice and was seen heading to the locker room without being able to put any weight on his left leg. As injuries continue to mount, the Maple Leafs are left to finish the game with just five defensemen.
Craig Berube says Oliver Ekman-Larsson will need to be evaluated to determin how long he'll be out, but only added that he sustained a lower-body injury. @BodogCA
— David Alter (@dalter) December 12, 2025