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Bold Move at Leafs' Practice: What's Behind Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Position Swap in Toronto


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Ryan Smitheram
October 11, 2025  (11:09)
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Oliver Ekman-Larsson changed positions at practice on Friday, for one specific reason according to Leafs' head coach Craig Berube.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski Imagn Images

Oliver Ekman-Larsson's position switch at practice on Friday hints at a strategic shift that could impact the usage of the Leafs' third pairing versus the Red Wings.

Much of the discussion coming out of Leafs' practice on Friday was about the line combinations and how top prospect Easton Cowan and recent waiver claim Sammy Blais rotated in through line rushes.
Typically, extra forwards don't rotate through line rushes as frequently as the duo did, which led to speculation that one or both could make their Leafs debut on Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.
However, one subtle shift on the blueline was overlooked.

Craig Berube Shifts Leafs Blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson At Practice

For Wednesday's game against the Montreal Canadiens, Oliver Ekman-Larsson lined up on the left side on the third defensive pairing with Simon Benoit.
The move seemed to pay off as the duo was very good throughout the game, with the pairing finished as an even plus-minus and notching six hits.
Following practice, Leafs coach Craig Berube explained his reasoning for the change.
"I think they kind of switch off, to be honest with you. Benny didn't have a lot of camp time. I've seen OEL on the right a lot, so that's the reason I went with it. It could change."
It would appear that Berube made the switch to help Benoit get back up to speed after missing most of training camp with an upper-body injury.
The 27-year-old spent most of last season on the left side, so he is clearly comfortable there, and moving back gives him the opportunity to get his feet under him without having to make any major adjustments. For OEL, playing on the right is also familiar, having played there last season.
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OCTOBRE 11   |   512 ANSWERS
Bold Move at Leafs' Practice: What's Behind Oliver Ekman-Larsson's Position Swap in Toronto

Do you think OEL on the right side will hinder or help the Leafs?

Hinder the Leafs, but help Benoit18335.7 %
Help the Leafs and Benoit26852.3 %
Hinder the Leafs and Benoit6111.9 %
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