Maple Leafs’ Oliver Ekman-Larsson out vs. Red Wings with lower-body injury

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson left Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period with a lower-body injury, and will not return.

Ekman-Larsson went to the dressing room midway through the frame. It appeared that Ekman-Larsson sustained an injury after getting tangled up with Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond. Here is a video of the incident:

Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been in the dressing room for some time pic.twitter.com/Bf5uxVmAga

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) January 22, 2026

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Ekman-Larsson played five shifts, totaling 1:50 of game-time, while his last shift ended with 11 minutes and three seconds remaining in the first period. He did not join the team for the start of the second period and was ruled out shortly thereafter.

It would be a crushing loss if Ekman-Larsson missed any time at all. The 34-year-old has arguably been the Maple Leafs’ most impactful defender, registering eight goals and 31 points in 50 games. Ekman-Larsson earned a spot on Sweden’s Olympic team, where he will be joined by William Nylander. Nylander is also out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

“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 to reporters on January 6. “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.”

Chris Tanev is still working his way through a groin injury which may require surgery, which further underscores Ekman-Larsson’s impact on the 2025-26 Leafs. Toronto is still fighting for a playoff spot, a task that becomes all the more complicated if Ekman-Larsson misses any time at all.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube will likely provide an update on Ekman-Larsson’s status post-game. The Leafs Nation will update this story as more details emerge.