Oliver Ekman-Larsson skated in his 1000th NHL game Wednesday and the Leafs will honour the accomplishment by presenting him with a special gift on Saturday.
The Swedish blueliner signed a four-year deal with the Leafs on the opening day of free agency, just days after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers.
His season with the Panthers seemed to revitalize his career and while there were detractors when the Leafs signed him, he has so far proven them wrong.
Last night didn't look like it was going to be a very positive celebration for OEL and the Leafs until the club scored two goals in the third period and capped off the comeback with an overtime winner from John Tavares.
Following the game, it was revealed that OEL was treating his Leafs teammates to dinner for the epic comeback, making his 1000th game a special and memorable one.
Awarded the 'Player of the Game' belt, OEL commented on his accomplishment following the game.
As he reached the milestone while the Leafs were on the road, ahead of Saturday's game in Toronto when they host the Edmonton Oilers, the Leafs are set to honour the 33-year-old in a pre-game ceremony. In that ceremony, the Leafs will present the 2009 first-round pick with the customary silver stick - a tribute given to all NHL players to reach the 1000 game milestone.
While his career appeared to be over after struggling during his time with the Vancouver Canucks and being bought out, OEL's resurgence with the Panthers last season has so far carried over to his first season with the Leafs. Over his 1000 games split between the Leafs, Canucks and Arizona Coyotes he has tallied 145 goals and 332 assists.
