Who Is the Veteran MVP, and Why Does This Signing Matter?

The player in question is Oliver Ekman-Larsson, a two-time OHL Playoffs MVP who previously led the Erie Otters to the 2022 Memorial Cup Final. Ekman-Larsson, now 21, has spent the past two seasons in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Färjestad BK, where he averaged 1.2 points per game and became a fan favorite for his leadership.

His return to the OHL is notable for two reasons: first, he reunites with Artūrs Silovs, a Latvian defenseman who played a critical role in Erie’s playoff run last season. Silovs, a 2023 OHL First Team All-Star, has been a defensive anchor for the Otters, and the pairing of Ekman-Larsson and Silovs could create a formidable blue-line tandem.

According to the OHL’s official announcement, Ekman-Larsson signed a one-year deal worth approximately $2.1 million CAD, making him the highest-paid free agent in the league this offseason. The Otters, currently in third place in the Eastern Conference with a 28-15-3 record, are aiming to secure home-ice advantage in the playoffs.

How Does This Change Erie’s Playoff Push?

The Otters’ playoff picture hinges on two factors: their ability to secure home ice and their depth in the final stretch. Ekman-Larsson’s arrival addresses both.

• Home-Ice Advantage: Erie sits two points behind the Guelph Storm for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. With six games remaining, the Otters need to win at least four of those to claim home ice. Ekman-Larsson’s experience in high-pressure playoff situations—including a 1.5-point-per-game average in his last OHL postseason—could be the difference-maker.
• Defensive Stability: The pairing of Ekman-Larsson and Silovs on the blue line could bolster Erie’s power play and penalty kill. Last season, the Otters ranked 10th in the league in power-play percentage (18.7%) and 12th in penalty kill (82.3%). With Ekman-Larsson’s offensive prowess and Silovs’ defensive reputation, this duo could push those numbers up.
• Leadership in the Final Stretch: The OHL playoffs are known for their physicality and late-game heroics. Ekman-Larsson’s ability to elevate his game in clutch moments—such as his three-point performance in Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals—could set the tone for Erie’s roster.

What This Means for the Latvian Connection in the OHL

Ekman-Larsson’s signing also highlights the growing presence of Latvian players in the OHL. Silovs, who was drafted 12th overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, has become a fan favorite in Erie, and his chemistry with Ekman-Larsson could be a model for future Latvian players in North American leagues.

According to Latvian Hockey Federation data, there are currently five Latvian players in the OHL, including Silovs and forward Rūdolfs Balcers of the Niagara IceDogs. Ekman-Larsson’s decision to return to the OHL—rather than pursue another SHL contract—suggests he sees value in the league’s developmental opportunities and playoff culture.

How Does This Affect the OHL Playoff Race?

The OHL’s playoff race is tightening, with the top four teams in the Eastern Conference separated by as few as two points. Here’s how Ekman-Larsson’s arrival impacts the standings:

Key Takeaway: Erie’s path to home ice now hinges on Ekman-Larsson’s ability to elevate their offense and defense. If he performs at a similar level to his OHL MVP season (1.8 points per game), the Otters could close the gap on Guelph and secure a top-two finish.

What’s Next for Erie and the OHL Playoffs?

The Otters’ next three games are critical. They face the Owen Sound Attack on May 18 (7:05 PM ET at Erie Insurance Arena), followed by a home-and-home series with the Niagara IceDogs starting May 20 (7:05 PM ET).

Ekman-Larsson is expected to make his OHL return in Erie’s May 18 matchup against Owen Sound. If he delivers, it could shift the momentum in the Eastern Conference race.

For fans following the OHL playoffs, here’s what to watch:

• The Ekman-Larsson/Silovs blue-line pairing in their first game back.
• How Erie’s offense adapts with Ekman-Larsson’s presence—will they rely on his playmaking or balance it with their existing forwards?
• The Guelph vs. Erie showdown, which could determine home-ice advantage.

How to Follow the OHL Playoffs

For real-time updates, check:

• OHL Official Schedule
• TSN OHL Coverage
• NHL’s OHL Hub