Ekman-Larsson: 'Gut feeling' led to signing with Leafs

Veteran defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson says his instincts guided him to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer.

"I am a guy that always tries to go with my gut feeling, and when Toronto showed interest, I got that feeling that this is what I wanted to do and this is what we wanted to do as a family," he told GoPHNX.com's Craig Morgan.

"I've always liked coming in there as an away team, playing in that building. It's always special," the blue-liner continued. "Obviously, there's a lot of history in the organization and I feel like they have a really good team that has a chance to do something special as well. I think it's a good fit."

The Maple Leafs and Ekman-Larsson agreed to a four-year, $14-million contract on July 1, days after the blue-liner helped the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup.

Ekman-Larsson joined the Cats on a one-year deal ahead of the 2023-24 campaign after his previous contract was bought out by the Vancouver Canucks. He registered 32 points in 80 games before adding two goals and four assists in the playoffs.

Toronto also signed Chris Tanev this offseason to bolster its defense under new head coach Craig Berube.