Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson was absent from practice on Tuesday as he is dealing with an illness. Head coach Craig Berube provided the update regarding the key blueliner`s status.
The 33-year-old Ekman-Larsson has been a consistent presence in Toronto`s playoff lineup, appearing in all 10 games played so far. He has contributed two goals and two assists while skating on the team`s third defensive pairing alongside Simon Benoit.
In Ekman-Larsson`s place at practice, Jani Hakanpaa stepped in. Hakanpaa has seen limited action this season due to injury, participating in only two games.
The Maple Leafs are currently engaged in a tightly contested second-round series against the Florida Panthers, with the series tied at two games apiece. Game 5 is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Toronto.
