Evening Notes: Injuries and Olympic Implications
By Bradley Keith (https://www.prohockeyrumors.com/author/bradley-keith) | January 21, 2026
The Toronto Maple Leafs faced a setback as Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a key player, was ruled out due to a lower-body injury. This injury occurred during a physical battle with Lucas Raymond, where Ekman-Larsson awkwardly caught an edge.
Despite health challenges in recent years, the 34-year-old Ekman-Larsson has demonstrated remarkable durability this season, missing only one game alongside John Tavares. His performance has been impressive, with 31 points in 50 games, his best output since the 2018-19 season. He's a top pairing defender, contributing significantly on both the power play and penalty kill.
Ekman-Larsson's availability for the upcoming Olympic Games with Team Sweden is uncertain due to this injury. The team is already facing challenges with other players, including Jonas Brodin and Leo Carlsson, who are expected to miss the Olympics. The Swedes are considering replacements like Mattias Ekholm, Hampus Lindholm, and Simon Edvisson.
In other league news, Rodrigo Abols of the Philadelphia Flyers suffered a fractured right ankle, potentially ruling him out for the final months of the regular season. This injury, initially reported as a lower-body issue, was severe, and the Flyers' fourth-line center's absence is a significant blow to their playoff chances. Lane Pederson was recalled to fill the gap.
Additionally, Zach Whitecloud, acquired by the Calgary Flames, might have a short stay due to interest from other teams. His manageable $2.75MM cap hit through 2027-28 makes him an attractive option for retooling clubs. The Flames' General Manager, Craig Conroy, is considering offers, especially with top prospect Zayne Parekh in the pipeline.
