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Maple Leafs’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson to join Sweden for 2026 IIHF World Championship
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Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Arun Srinivasan
May 11, 2026, 11:15 EDTUpdated: May 11, 2026, 11:13 EDT
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will join Sweden for the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
Ekman-Larsson was the Maple Leafs’ best defenceman in 2025-26, recording eight goals and 39 points in 78 games. As a result of his resurgent campaign, Ekman-Larsson was the Maple Leafs’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. He was named to Sweden’s Olympic team and raved about what it meant to be named to the team.
“I always came into the season wanting to play good for the Leafs and for my teammates here and give me a chance to be on that team,” Ekman-Larsson said. “So I’m lying if I’m saying I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest with you. But very proud of myself of being named and getting a chance. With that being said, my teammates and the organization have been able to help me out.”
Ekman-Larsson’s puck-moving ability and veteran leadership will be counted upon at the upcoming Worlds. Along with Mattias Ekholm, he is the clear leader of a younger Swedish team, that is emphasizing many top prospects. After the Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, Ekman-Larsson joked about potentially recruiting Ivar Stenberg. Stenberg is widely considered the second-best prospect in the class, after Penn State forward Gavin McKenna.
“He’s a fantastic player. He really showed that at the World Juniors, which I watched, but also here with the national team,” Ekman-Larsson said to Robin Olausson of Hockeysverige. “He’s not here just to be here — he’s here because he belongs at this level and wants to contribute. I feel the same way about all the junior players here.”
It’ll be an interesting summer ahead as Ekman-Larsson is one of several Maple Leafs in the tournament. Morgan Rielly and John Tavares will be participating for Canada, while Joseph Woll will be featuring in goal for the United States.

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