Oliver Ekman-Larsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on July 17, 1991, in Karlskrona, Sweden, and began playing hockey at a young age.
Ekman-Larsson was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes (now Arizona Coyotes) in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in 2010 and quickly established himself as a top defenseman for the Coyotes.
Throughout his career, Ekman-Larsson has been known for his offensive skills, particularly his ability to score goals from the blue line. He has also been a reliable defender, often playing against the opposing team's top forwards.
In the 2013-2014 season, Ekman-Larsson had a breakout year, scoring 15 goals and 44 points in 80 games. He was named to the NHL All-Star Game for the first time in his career and was also a finalist for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's top defenseman.
Ekman-Larsson continued to be a key player for the Coyotes in the following seasons, consistently putting up strong offensive numbers and playing a solid defensive game. He was named team captain in 2018, becoming the first Swedish-born captain in Coyotes history.
In addition to his NHL career, Ekman-Larsson has also represented Sweden in international competition. He has played in several World Championships and was a member of the Swedish team that won the silver medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Overall, Ekman-Larsson has had a successful career in the NHL, establishing himself as one of the league's top defensemen. He has been a key player for the Coyotes and a leader both on and off the ice.
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