Maple Leafs Offered First-Round Pick for Ekman-Larsson

The veteran defenseman, who has 35 points in 59 games this season, prefers to stay in Toronto despite the trade interest. The Maple Leafs face a decision by the March 6 NHL trade deadline on whether to move Ekman-Larsson to replenish their future outlook.

While Ekman-Larsson would like to remain with the Leafs, his age (34) suggests he may be past his peak, making a trade for a first-round pick potentially beneficial for Toronto's long-term plans.