Vancouver Canucks' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates with teammate Elias Pettersson (40) after scoring a goal during first period NHL hockey action against the New York Islanders, in Elmont, N.Y., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. The Vancouver Canucks have bought out Oliver Ekman-Larsson, making the defenceman an unrestricted free agent. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Frank Franklin II
VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks have bought out Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s contract, making the defenceman an unrestricted free agent.
Ekman-Larsson has four years and US$29 million remaining on an eight-year, $66-million contract he signed with Arizona in 2018.
In a release, the Canucks say they’ll pay the Swedish defenceman $19.33 million over the next eight years, which will reduce the team’s salary-cap hit.
The Canucks acquired Ekman-Larsson and forward Conor Garland in a July 2021 trade with the Coyotes.
Ekman-Larsson had two goals and 20 assists in 54 games with the Canucks last season.
He missed the final 27 games of the campaign with an ankle injury.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2023.
