Report: Coyotes GM addresses Ekman-Larsson trade rumors

In the wake of the Matt Duchene and Kyle Turris swap last weekend, the NHL trade rumor mill has kicked into overdrive with fans and analysts speculation on just who will be involved in the NHL’s next big blockbuster. One name making the rounds: Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. 

Arizona Sports reporter Craig Morgan recently caught up with Coyotes GM John Chayka to address the constant trade rumors swirling around his top defenseman. “He’s never once complained to me or talked about greener pastures,” Chayka said. That may be true, but you have to imagine that after five long, hard seasons in Arizona, that the losing act is wearing thin on the potential Norris Trophy candidate. 

Ekman-Larsson is set to hit unrestricted free-agency in the summer of 2019, so expect his name to pop up in trade rumors more often, especially if the situation in Arizona doesn’t improve. Even more interesting is the fact that he lacks any no-trade protection. If Chayka gets an offer he can’t refuse, don’t be surprised if Ekman-Larsson finds himself on the move.