Oliver Ekman-Larsson Bought Out by Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have taken advantage of the NHL's buy out window opening and have cut ties with defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. It's one of the biggest buy outs in NHL history and the move is going to save the Canucks almost $20 million.

Massive buyout for Oliver Ekman-Larsson sprinkled over the next 8 years. The #Canucks are paying him $19.5 million in real cash to go away, per @CapFriendly. pic.twitter.com/zSwNBPHLPh
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 16, 2023

The Canucks tried hard to trade Ekman-Larsson last season to create some cap flexibility but there were no takers. Now, the team can move on and spend their resources in other areas of the ice, including adding some help up front.

The 31-year-old defenseman had four seasons left on his contract at an $8.25 million cap hit combined between the Arizona Coyotes and Canucks. Ekman-Larsson is now free to sign with any team. The NHL's buy out period runs until June 30.

In 2022-23, he recorded 22 points in 54 games. His best season came back in 2015-16 with the Coyotes when he produced 55 points in 75 games. Ekman-Larsson's been linked to the Boston Bruins in the past and will not be one of the more intriguing blueliners available this summer.

The NHL's silly season has begun.