Two teams in the mix to land Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Trade rumours have been piling up regarding Arizona Coyotes captain Oliver Ekman-Larsson for some time now. The 29-year-old defenceman would make a great addition to any team looking to bolster their blueline and, according to TSN's Darren Dreger, serious inquiries are coming from two teams: The Edmonton Oilers and the Boston Bruins.

"There has been significant trade interest expressed in the Coyotes captain and the Oilers are among the teams with some interest. It's in the preliminary phases and, again, given the cap hit that Ekman-Larsson brings back, this is not going to be an easy transaction for Ken Holland and the Oilers," said Dreger on TSN's Insider Trading.

"I would put Boston in that group of teams with interest as well. But also keep in mind Ekman-Larsson has trade protection so he is, to some degree, going to manage this process."

Ekman-Larsson's cap hit is indeed a big stumbling block for any team looking to acquire him. He's making $8.25 million per season (AAV) and has another seven years remaining on his contract. Bringing him in would require Edmonton or Boston to shed salary in the return.

"Arizona will want a 1st and likely one of the Oilers young, developing blueliners," said Dreger of the return the Coyotes are looking for in order to deal Ekman-Larsson. "Edmonton would also likely need the Coyotes to take another contract back to offset the OEL cap hit."

The Coyotes have been rumoured to be interested in moving Ekman-Larsson since it was revealed that the salary cap will remain flat for at least the next couple of seasons. His best season came in 2015-16 when he scored 21 goals and 55 points. Since then, he's consistently hovered around the 40 point mark, although this year he had 30 points in 66 games.

Source: TSN Insider Trading' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>TSN Insider Trading

MUST READ

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Vancouver Canucks' Contract Offer to Brock Boeser Leaks Publicly

Feb 28  |  By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens Star Undergoes Season-Ending Knee Surgery

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Philadelphia Flyers Officially Looking to Trade Former 39-Goal Scorer

Feb 28  |  By Daniel Lucente Evander Kane May Be in His Final Days in Edmonton After Friedman Reveals New Information

Feb 28  |  By Maple Leafs Forward Pulls Back Trade Request

Feb 27  |  By Brad Marchand Goes Viral for Passionate Video Ahead of Four Nations Faceoff Final

Feb 27  |  By David Pastrnak's Latest Comments Suggest Bruins Will Be Big Sellers at the Deadline

Feb 27  |  By Julien Trekker 6-Foot-6 Winger Linked to the New York Rangers at the Trade Deadline

MORE STORIES